Sports
Sadio Mané Slams CAF After Senegal Stripped of 2025 AFCON Title
Sadio Mané Slams CAF After Senegal Stripped of 2025 AFCON Title
Senegalese talisman Sadio Mané has strongly criticised the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for overturning Senegal’s victory in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final and awarding the title to Morocco. The ruling has sparked outrage across the continent and intensified calls for transparency and accountability in African football governance.
CAF’s Appeal Board on March 17, 2026, ruled that Senegal had forfeited the final match against Morocco after temporarily walking off the field in protest over a late penalty. As a result, the final score was recorded as 3–0 in favour of Morocco, overturning Senegal’s 1–0 extra-time win in the original match held in Rabat. Senegal had scored the winning goal after returning to the pitch following a 14-minute protest, with Pape Gueye netting the decisive strike. (pulsesports.ng)
Mané, captain and leader of the Senegalese team, described the decision as “killing the passion of millions of fans” and decried what he called widespread corruption affecting African football. In a statement on his verified X account, he wrote: “This is not the football we fight for, not the Africa we believe in. Players give everything on the pitch, but decisions off it are deciding matches and trophies.” He added that the verdict was deeply disappointing not just for Senegal, but for African football as a whole, and called for fairness, transparency, and respect for the fans and players alike. (goal.com)
READ ALSO:
- Court Confirms Nigerians’ Right to Record Police During Stop-and-Search Operations
- BREAKING: Eid-el-Fitr Date Confirmed in Saudi Arabia, Nigeria Awaits Sultan’s Decision
- Army Repels Boko Haram/ISWAP Attack, Neutralises 63 Fighters in Borno
The Senegalese Football Federation and the government have publicly rejected CAF’s ruling, describing it as illegal and unjust, and have committed to appealing the decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Officials are also demanding an independent investigation into alleged corruption within CAF’s decision-making process. (vanguardngr.com)
The 2025 AFCON final itself was marked by controversy: Senegal initially left the pitch following a penalty awarded to Morocco’s Brahim Díaz, but returned after persuasion from Mané. Díaz’s penalty attempt failed, and Senegal scored in extra time to win the match. CAF’s subsequent reversal of the result has been criticised by players, officials, and fans as undermining the integrity of African football. (apnews.com)
The decision has sparked international debate, with commentators warning that late reversals of match outcomes set a dangerous precedent and may erode trust in CAF and African football competitions. Mané’s condemnation reflects the frustration of players and fans across Africa who feel that off-field decisions should not overshadow on-pitch performances.
Sadio Mané Slams CAF After Senegal Stripped of 2025 AFCON Title
![]()
Sports
Nigeria Clinches Historic 15th African Women’s Wrestling Title
Nigeria Clinches Historic 15th African Women’s Wrestling Title
Nigeria’s wrestling team has once again demonstrated its dominance on the continental stage after emerging champions in the women’s category at the ongoing 2026 African Wrestling Championships in Alexandria, Egypt.
Team Nigeria secured a historic 15th African women’s wrestling title after winning an impressive eight gold medals and two silver medals out of the 10 available medals in the women’s freestyle events.
The latest triumph further strengthens Nigeria’s reputation as Africa’s leading force in women’s wrestling and extends the country’s remarkable record in the competition.
The Nigerian contingent, made up of 10 female wrestlers and eight male wrestlers, competed across 18 events during the championship, which began on April 27 and concluded on Saturday in Alexandria.
Nigeria’s female wrestlers delivered dominant performances across multiple weight categories to finish ahead of other strong wrestling nations including Egypt, Tunisia and Algeria.
In the men’s freestyle category, Team Nigeria also impressed by finishing as the third-best overall team, earning additional silver and bronze medals to secure a podium finish.
Among the standout performers was Andrew Ebierelayefa, who won silver in the 74kg category after losing by pinfall to Egypt’s Omar Mohamed in the final.
Another Nigerian wrestler, Stephen Akintewe, also secured silver in the 65kg division after falling to Egyptian wrestler Shehabeldin Emam in the final bout.
READ ALSO:
- NiMet Forecasts Hazy Weather, Thunderstorms Across Nigeria
- FG Summons South African Envoy Over Xenophobic Attacks On Nigerians
- Nigerian Student Jailed 14 Years In Cyprus Over Sexual Assault Case
Nigeria also claimed bronze medals through Dideikemei Erefagha, who defeated Chad’s Elie Djekoundakom 12-0 in the 70kg category, and Solomon Ulabo, who beat Madagascar’s Totiana Razafinjato 6-0 by pinfall in the 79kg division.
In the 61kg category, Saviour Egoli earned another bronze medal for Nigeria after defeating Tunisia’s Mustapha Batinini through a technical points advantage.
Officials of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF) praised the athletes for their determination, resilience and consistency throughout the championship, describing the performance as another major milestone for Nigerian sports.
Nigeria has remained the dominant force in African women’s wrestling for over a decade, producing internationally recognised wrestlers such as Blessing Oborududu, Odunayo Adekuoroye, and Aminat Adeniyi, who have represented the country at the Olympics, Commonwealth Games and World Championships.
The latest victory is also expected to boost Nigeria’s preparations ahead of future global wrestling competitions and qualification events for upcoming international tournaments.
Sports enthusiasts across the country have since celebrated the achievement, describing it as another proud moment for Nigeria on the African sporting stage.
Nigeria Clinches Historic 15th African Women’s Wrestling Title
![]()
Sports
Carter Efe Defeats Portable in Celebrity Boxing Showdown
Carter Efe Defeats Portable in Celebrity Boxing Showdown
Popular skit maker and entertainer Carter Efe secured a decisive victory over street-hop singer Portable in a celebrity boxing match held in Lagos on Friday night.
The bout, which formed part of the “Chaos in the Ring 4” event, drew a large crowd of fans and entertainment enthusiasts eager to witness the much-anticipated clash between the two outspoken personalities.
From the opening bell, Carter Efe showed greater composure and control, landing cleaner punches and maintaining a steady pace throughout the three-round contest. Portable, known for his high-energy persona, attempted to press forward aggressively but struggled to match his opponent’s timing and defensive discipline.
At the end of the bout, the judges returned a unanimous decision in favour of Carter Efe, with all three scorecards reflecting his dominance across the rounds.
READ ALSO:
- Kano Politics: Kwankwasiyya Figure Dumps ADC in Surprise Move
- ADC Crisis Deepens as Obi, Kwankwaso Linked to Possible Defection
- Tinubu Declares Poverty, Insecurity National Emergencies
The defeat marked a setback for Portable, who had previously enjoyed success in celebrity boxing, including victories over fellow entertainers. Friday’s result, however, underscored Carter Efe’s preparation and tactical approach, which proved decisive in the ring.
The event adds to the growing trend of celebrity boxing in Nigeria’s entertainment scene, blending sports and showbiz while attracting significant public attention.
Neither Carter Efe nor Portable immediately issued formal statements after the fight, but the outcome has already sparked widespread reactions across social media, with fans debating the performance and calling for potential rematches.
Organisers of the event say the success of the bout further highlights the increasing popularity of celebrity boxing as a form of entertainment in the country.
Carter Efe Defeats Portable in Celebrity Boxing Showdown
![]()
Sports
Ronaldo Fires Al Nassr to Crucial Win Over Al Ahli
Ronaldo Fires Al Nassr to Crucial Win Over Al Ahli
Cristiano Ronaldo once again delivered in decisive fashion as Al Nassr moved to the brink of the Saudi Pro League title with a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Al Ahli on Wednesday night, strengthening their grip at the top of the table as the season enters its final stretch.
The match remained tightly contested for much of the evening, with Al Ahli putting up a disciplined defensive display that frustrated the league leaders in the first half.
However, Ronaldo broke the deadlock in the 75th minute, rising highest to meet a perfectly delivered corner from João Félix before guiding a powerful header past former Chelsea goalkeeper Édouard Mendy.
The goal, his 25th league strike of the season, once again highlighted his continued dominance in Saudi football and his ability to decide high-pressure matches.
Al Ahli’s resistance finally collapsed after sustained pressure, and Al Nassr sealed the victory deep into stoppage time when Kingsley Coman finished clinically from close range following a chaotic set-piece situation inside the box.
The result extended Al Nassr’s impressive winning streak to 20 consecutive victories across all competitions, including 16 straight wins in the league, putting them firmly in control of the title race with only a handful of matches remaining.
READ ALSO:
- How Nigerian Army Uncovered Alleged Plot to Overthrow Tinubu
- FG Declares Friday Public Holiday for 2026 Workers’ Day Celebration
- Trump Triggers Global Reactions After Calling Strait of Hormuz ‘Strait of Trump’
Ronaldo’s latest goal also took his overall career tally to 970 goals for club and country, further cementing his status as one of football’s most prolific scorers in history.
The Portuguese captain has now scored nine goals in his last nine appearances, maintaining strong form at a crucial stage of the season while also competing for the Saudi Pro League Golden Boot.
Since joining Al Nassr, Ronaldo has remained the focal point of the team’s attacking system, providing leadership, experience, and consistent goal output in both domestic and continental competitions.
The victory has significantly boosted confidence within the squad as they edge closer to what could be a landmark league triumph, although mathematical confirmation of the title is still pending depending on results from rivals.
Supporters have praised the team’s consistency and attacking strength, with many pointing to Ronaldo’s influence as the defining factor in their title push.
With just a few games left, Al Nassr now sit in a commanding position, and their fate remains firmly in their own hands as they aim to secure the championship.
Ronaldo Fires Al Nassr to Crucial Win Over Al Ahli
![]()
-
metro3 days agoViral Threesome Video: Sisi Alagbo’s Husband Accepts Responsibility, Seeks Forgiveness
-
Entertainment2 days agoJubilation as Lateef Adedimeji, Mo Bimpe Welcome Triplet Boys
-
Sports1 day agoCarter Efe Defeats Portable in Celebrity Boxing Showdown
-
News3 days agoTinubu Nominates Tegbe as Minister of Power, Seeks Senate Confirmation
-
metro2 days ago“No Calls, No Love”: Woman Shares Pain of Being Single at 50
-
News2 days agoSanwo-Olu Approves N50,000 Wage Award for Lagos Workers
-
metro2 days agoTeen Murder Suspect Confesses, Reveals Chilling Details in Ikorodu Killing
-
metro1 day agoOsogbo United Youth Forum Calls for Peace, Facts in Boundary Dispute, Rejects Divisive Claims


