VICTOR OSIMHEN'S 2025 AFCON VOW: NIGERIA MUST TRANSLATE GOLDEN GENERATION TALENT TO TROPHIES
Inspired by Victor Osimhen, Nigeria is desperate to win the AFCON 2025 title to overcome its consecutive World Cup failures. The pressure is immense on the "golden generation."
Nigeria, inspired by Victor Osimhen, is eager to bounce back after missing out on the World Cup again. The best way to do that? Win the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. It's been a tough stretch for the Super Eagles, who haven't missed two consecutive World Cups since the early '90s.
After finishing second in Group C behind South Africa, Nigeria had another shot as one of the better runners-up. They beat Gabon 4-1 in the semi-finals with two goals from Osimhen, but then lost on penalties to the Democratic Republic of Congo, sending them home.
Our players are hurting, and we need to fix that. "We need to make our opponents feel the pain," said head coach Eric Chelle.
Osimhen added, Nigerians keep calling us a golden generation, but we’ve failed to reach the World Cup twice in a row now. If we’re so good, why do we keep falling short? Now, we have to go back to Morocco and win the Cup of Nations.
We have many talented players in Europe. It’s time we turned that talent into trophies.
Nigeria is in Group C with Tunisia, Tanzania, and Uganda. Being the top seeds, they'll play all their group games in Fes. The Super Eagles and Tunisia are the favourites, and their match on December 27 should decide the group winner.
These two teams have met six times in the competition, with Nigeria winning three, Tunisia winning one, and two draws.
Tunisia has been great this year, Chelle said, pointing to their draw against Brazil in a friendly match.
He added, Uganda is getting better under Paul Put, and many Tanzanian players are in one of Africa’s strongest leagues.
There’s a lot of pressure on the team and me because every Nigerian feels like a coach. I have been avoiding social media to focus on my work.
Chelle, who previously coached Mali to the 2024 AFCON quarter-finals, knows one problem in Morocco will be choosing from his many talented strikers.
Besides Osimhen, he has options like Ademola Lookman, Victor Boniface, Samuel Chukwueze, Tolu Arokodare, Moses Simon, Adams Akor, and Chidera Ejuke.
Tunisia coach Samy Trabelsi sees Nigeria as a major force with great talent in Europe.
Still, he is hopeful about his own team. Anything can happen at AFCON. If we are determined, we have an opportunity. I want to reach at least the semi-finals.
Tunisia had a rough AFCON qualifying, losing at home to Comoros and Gambia. They did better in World Cup qualifying, winning nine games, drawing one, and keeping ten clean sheets.
Uganda is back in the tournament after missing the last two. Coach Put has promised fans a team that won’t back down against stronger teams.
Tanzania made a late coaching change, bringing in Argentine Miguel Gamondi, who also coaches Singida Black Stars.
Mbwana Samatta's good form in France has earned him a recall as captain. The Taifa Stars hope to win their first AFCON game after failing to do so in three previous appearances.
EXCLUSIVE: AJAX AND SCHALKE LAUNCH BIDS FOR OUT-OF-CONTRACT RANGERS MIDFIELDER BAILEY RICE NOW
Rangers midfielder Bailey Rice is a top target for Ajax and Schalke. Get the latest on his contract status and potential summer exit.
Ajax and Schalke are chasing Rangers midfielder Bailey Rice, with both clubs working to seal a deal for the 19-year-old, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Rangers just wrapped up a training camp in Spain, gearing up for a crucial five-game stretch to go for the league title after the split earlier this month. Their run-in starts with Motherwell at home on Sunday, then a massive trip to face league leaders Hearts at Tynecastle next weekend.
After that comes the season’s final Old Firm showdown against Celtic at Parkhead on May 10, before closing out with Hibernian and Falkirk, who are the lowest-ranked teams in the split, having finished fifth and sixth.
This summer looks set for big changes at Rangers, and Rice is right at the centre of it. Romano reported on X that both Ajax and Schalke want to sign Rice as a free agent. The young Scottish midfielder is out of contract this summer. Talks over a new deal with Rangers haven’t worked out, so he’s weighing up his next move. Schalke reportedly already made him a personal offer, and Premier League side Aston Villa had also been linked with him earlier this year.
Rice has barely featured for Rangers this season after suffering a serious training injury that needed surgery; he’s only played a handful of minutes.
As for the rest of the squad, Rangers look set for another overhaul. After a busy transfer window last summer and more signings in January, things don’t seem to be slowing down. Manager Rohl has made do with what he has, but the club’s owners, the 49ers, are ready to back a ‘major recruitment drive’ this summer. Their aim? Knock Celtic off the top and keep Hearts from breaking up the Old Firm grip on Scottish football.
Nobody knows just how many players could come in yet, but it’s clear the owners are serious about shaking things up at Ibrox.
CARLO ANCELOTTI ISSUES TWO-MONTH WORLD CUP ULTIMATUM TO SANTOS STAR NEYMAR
Carlo Ancelotti confirms Neymar has two months to prove his fitness for the 2026 World Cup. Read the full Selecao update.
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Everyone’s talking about Neymar again as the 2026 World Cup edges closer. It’s the same old debate: does he still have a spot with Brazil? But this time there’s real hope on the table. Carlo Ancelotti’s left the door open for Neymar to make the cut. Even though Neymar hasn’t made the latest squads, he’s obviously still on the minds of the Selecao coaches.
Here’s the situation: Neymar's been battling injuries since he tore his ACL. He missed the season’s first 10 games after knee surgery last December. He got back on the field, but fitness issues and a suspension meant he still watched from the sidelines quite a bit. Still, Ancelotti isn’t ruling him out. In an interview with L’Equipe, Ancelotti emphasised Neymar’s reputation but also made something very clear: if Neymar wants the World Cup, he needs to earn it.
Talent isn't a question; nobody doubts Neymar’s skill. What matters for Ancelotti is being fit. No exceptions, no matter how big the star. “Neymar can come back. I’ve said it before, and it’s simple: only physically ready players get called up,” Ancelotti said flat-out. “His recovery from the knee injury is going well; he’s scoring again. He just needs to keep pushing and get fitter. He’s headed in the right direction.”
With 79 goals in 128 matches, Neymar has shaped Brazil’s football history. Ancelotti gets that fans want to see Neymar try one more time for the one trophy he’s never won. “Neymar belongs to Brazil’s football story. He’s hugely talented, so obviously people hope he’ll help us win the next World Cup. Right now, he’s under assessment not just by the CBF but by me, too. He’s got two months left to show he has what it takes for the World Cup,” Ancelotti said.
Neymar’s chance to prove himself is coming fast, with big matches for Santos ahead. He’s expected to start this Saturday when they face Atlético-MG at Vila Belmiro. If Neymar stays healthy and sharp, that final World Cup dream is still alive.
