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CAF Announces Dates Of The Next AFCON And WAFCON

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CAF Executive Committee announces dates of CAF TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (“AFCON”) Morocco 2025 and CAF TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2024

 

 

The Confédération Africaine de Football (“CAF”) Executive Committee (“EXCO”) today announced the dates of Africa’s most popular and competitive football competition, the CAF TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (“AFCON”) which will take place in Morocco.

CAF Announces Dates Of The Next AFCON And WAFCON

The dates of the CAF TotalEnergies AFCON Morocco 2025 are:

 Opening Match: Sunday 21 December 2025
 Final Match: Sunday 18 January 2026

The CAF EXCO also announced the dates of the CAF TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (“WAFCON”) which is growing exponentially and will also be hosted in Morocco.

The dates of the CAF TotalEnergies WAFCON Morocco 2024 are:

 Opening Match: Saturday 5 July 2025
 Final Match: Saturday 26 July 2025

The President of CAF Dr Patrice Motsepe said: “I am confident that the CAF TotalEnergies AFCON Morocco 2025 will be extremely successful and will be the best AFCON in the history of this competition. I am also impressed by the enormous growth of Women’s Football in Africa and I am expecting the CAF TotalEnergies WAFCON Morocco 2024 to be immensely successful. The announcement of the dates of the CAF TotalEnergies AFCON Morocco 2025 took much longer than expected, as there were complex and at times challenging discussions with various interested parties, in the light of the extensive International and Domestic Match Calendars. CAF is committed to protecting and advancing the interests of African players, playing in football clubs in Europe and worldwide. CAF is also committed to building mutually beneficial relationships with the ECA, UEFA, other Football Confederations and FIFA. We will continue to make significant progress in developing and ensuring that African Football is globally competitive and amongst the best in the World. CAF is grateful to King Mohamed VI of Morocco, the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (“FRMF”), its President Fouzi Lekjaa, the Government and people of Morocco for hosting the CAF TotalEnergies AFCON Morocco 2025 and the CAF TotalEnergies WAFCON Morocco 2024.”

The Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football President Mr Fouzi Lekjaa said: “We hope that the CAF TotalEnergies AFCON Morocco 2025 will be the best event to honour Africa and Morocco will make available the best conditions to host the rest of Africa and the World.”

The CAF EXCO also resolved to host the 46th CAF Ordinary General Assembly in Kinshasa, DRC on Thursday 10 October 2024. Decisions were also taken to open bids to host:

 The CAF Women’s Champions League 2024
 The CAF TotalEnergies U17 AFCON
 The CAF TotalEnergies U20 AFCON
 The CAF Awards 2024

CAF has received attractive proposals from the Middle East for hosting the CAF TotalEnergies Super Cup 2024 which will feature Egyptian giants, Al Ahly SC, Winners of the CAF TotalEnergies Champions League and Zamalek SC, Winners of the CAF TotalEnergies Confederation Cup.

Sahara weekly online is published by First Sahara weekly international. contact saharaweekly@yahoo.com

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Ademola Lookman Set for Sensational Atalanta Exit Amid Premier League and Saudi Interest

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Ademola Lookman Set for Sensational Atalanta Exit Amid Premier League and Saudi Interest

Ademola Lookman Set for Sensational Atalanta Exit Amid Premier League and Saudi Interest

 

Red-hot Super Eagles forward, Ademola Lookman, has made a bombshell decision to quit Atalanta at the end of the season, informing his family of his imminent departure. The news, confirmed by top Italian journalist Sacha Tavolieri via Sky Italia, has sent shockwaves through the transfer market.

According to reports, it’s a done deal—Lookman will not wear the Atalanta jersey next season. His fractured relationship with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, which worsened after his missed penalty against Club Brugge in the Champions League last-16, has accelerated his departure. The Nigerian star has reportedly grown disillusioned with his treatment at the club, particularly in light of Gasperini’s critical remarks in the Italian press.

Lookman has been on the transfer radar for over a year and a half, and his stock remains high, particularly in the Premier League. The London-born forward, who etched his name in Atalanta history with a legendary hat-trick in the UEFA Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen, feels his contributions have not been adequately recognized in the dressing room.

Despite his dissatisfaction, Lookman has still managed to contribute to 29% of Atalanta’s goals this season, netting 12 times and providing five assists. However, at 27, he is eager to secure a move that matches his ambitions, with major suitors already circling.

Liverpool have taken the first steps in securing his services, viewing him as a potential successor to Mohamed Salah, who could leave in the summer of 2025. Arsenal have also made inquiries but are yet to make concrete moves like the Reds. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s Pro League remains a lucrative option, with Lookman reportedly open to a big-money switch if the right offer comes his way.

As the summer transfer window approaches, the race for Ademola Lookman’s signature is heating up, with European giants and cash-rich Saudi clubs all vying for the Nigerian’s services. One thing is certain—his time at Atalanta is coming to an explosive end, and a high-profile move is on the horizon.

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Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen Set for Epic Showdown at 2025 Nigeria Pitch Awards

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Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen Set for Epic Showdown at 2025 Nigeria Pitch Awards

Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen Set for Epic Showdown at 2025 Nigeria Pitch Awards

 

In what promises to be one of the most hotly contested battles in Nigerian football history, reigning African Footballer of the Year and Atalanta forward, Ademola Lookman, is poised to challenge Victor Osimhen, the incumbent holder of the prestigious “King of the Pitch” title at the 2025 Nigeria Pitch Awards.

The much-anticipated nominations were unveiled on Thursday at Bon Hotels, Sobo Arobiodu, Ikeja, Lagos, in a star-studded event organized by Shina Phillips, who vowed to uphold the awards’ tradition of integrity and transparency.

Lookman’s rise to prominence, following his African Footballer of the Year win, has set the stage for an epic duel between the Atalanta forward and Osimhen. The Super Eagles’ goal-scoring sensation and Galatasaray star, Osimhen, is the current record-holder of the “King of the Pitch” award, having claimed the title three consecutive times—making him the only player in the award’s decade-long history to achieve such a feat.

However, Osimhen faces fierce competition, not just from Lookman but also from Williams Troost Ekong, the Super Eagles stand-in captain currently plying his trade at Al-Kholood FC in Saudi Arabia.

The Ultimate Showdown for Nigerian Football Supremacy

Osimhen’s dominance at the 2024 Pitch Awards cemented his legacy as Nigeria’s best forward, but Lookman’s electric form this year has made him a genuine contender. With both stars leading the line for the Super Eagles, fans are eagerly awaiting the outcome of the 2025 edition.

Ademola Olajide, Director of Communication for the Nigeria Football Federation, revealed the nominees for all 18 award categories at the unveiling ceremony. The categories span every facet of Nigerian football, from grassroots development to media excellence.

Key Categories and Nominees

  • Goalkeeper of the Year: Maduka Okoye (Undize, Italy); Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Kayode Bankole (Remo Stars, Nigeria).
  • Defender of the Year: Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Ola Aina (Nottingham Forest, England); Williams Troost Ekong (Al-Kholood FC, Saudi Arabia).
  • Midfielder of the Year: Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England); Frank Onyeka (FC Augsburg, Germany).
  • Striker of the Year: Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray, Turkey); Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany); Ademola Lookman (Atalanta, Italy).
  • Coach of the Year: Daniel Ogunmodede (Remo Stars); Moses Adukwu (Edo Queens FC); Fidelis Ilechukwu (Rangers International FC).

The Queen of the Pitch award will also be hotly contested, with Asisat Oshoala (Bay FC, U.S.), Rasheedat Ajibade (Atletico de Madrid Femenino, Spain), and Chiamaka Nnadozie (Paris FC, France) all vying for the honor.

Other notable categories include Sam Okwaraji Award (for outstanding contribution to football), Football-Friendly Governor of the Year, and State with the Best Grassroots Development Program, showcasing Nigeria’s commitment to football at every level.

A Celebration of Nigerian Football Excellence

With the Nigeria Pitch Awards growing in prestige each year, all eyes are now on the ceremony to see who will claim the coveted “King of the Pitch” title. The rivalry between Lookman and Osimhen has already captured the nation’s imagination, and football fans are bracing for an unforgettable showdown.

Stay tuned for more updates as Nigeria’s football elite prepare for the most anticipated awards ceremony of the year.

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Nigerian Stars Shine as Aribo, Onuachu Fire Southampton to Vital Win Over Ipswich

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Nigerian Stars Shine as Aribo, Onuachu Fire Southampton to Vital Win Over Ipswich

Nigerian Stars Shine as Aribo, Onuachu Fire Southampton to Vital Win Over Ipswich

 

Southampton’s head coach, Ivan Juric, has heaped praise on Nigerian duo Joe Aribo and Paul Onuachu after their crucial goals secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Ipswich Town on Saturday, lifting the Saints’ spirits in a turbulent season.

Heading into the match at Portman Road, Southampton had endured a disastrous run of form, managing just one win in 23 league outings. The poor results had left them rooted to the bottom of the Premier League table, struggling to find consistency. However, Aribo’s first-half opener and Onuachu’s late winner ensured the Saints claimed all three points, marking Juric’s first victory since taking charge of the club.

After the match, an elated Juric expressed his delight with the team’s resilience and singled out Aribo and Onuachu for their outstanding performances.

“It’s a great feeling,” Juric told Southampton’s official website. “I think we’ve played even better games, like against Manchester United, but didn’t get the points. Today, we suffered in some moments, but the guys showed great character, and we deserved the win.”

The head coach particularly praised Onuachu for his persistence and impact off the bench, highlighting his decisive goal as a testament to his hard work.

“It was a great moment. He [Onuachu] deserved it because he worked hard. It’s his second goal, and I believe he can score more. His work rate for the team has been fantastic,” Juric said.

Aribo, who has played in various positions this season, also earned special recognition for his versatility and commitment.

“Joe [Aribo] is a great guy. He always puts the team first—whether he’s playing in attack, midfield, or even defense. Today, he played left centre-back in the second half, and he did an amazing job. He worked really hard, and his performance was fantastic,” Juric added.

Southampton Still in Trouble Despite Crucial Win

While the victory was a morale booster for the struggling Saints, their position in the league remains precarious. With just nine points from 24 English Premier League games, Southampton still sit at the bottom of the table and are facing the real threat of relegation to the EFL Championship.

However, the performances of Aribo and Onuachu, along with Juric’s growing influence on the squad, offer a glimmer of hope for a potential turnaround in their campaign. The Saints will need more inspired performances from their key players if they are to climb out of the relegation zone and secure their Premier League status.

As Southampton prepares for their next crucial fixtures, all eyes will be on Aribo and Onuachu to continue delivering when it matters most. Can they help the Saints pull off an unlikely escape? Time will tell.

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