Super Eagles seal AFCON 2025 spot, draw 1-1 against Benin
Victor Osimhen’s late header helped the Super Eagles of Nigeria secure a 1-1 draw against Benin Republic in Abidjan, clinching their qualification for the 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Benin, playing their matches in Côte d’Ivoire, took an early lead in the 16th minute when Mohammed Tijani headed in a short corner.
The goal followed a period of sustained pressure from the Beninoise side on the Nigerian defence.
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Benin nearly doubled their advantage shortly afterwards, but goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali made a crucial save to keep Nigeria in the game.
Osimhen threatened as the first half progressed, with a powerful header that narrowly missed the target.
In the second half, Benin came close again, but a shot veered inches wide of the right post, sparing the Eagles further trouble.
With nine minutes remaining, Osimhen rose to the occasion, connecting with a precise cross from Moses Simon to level the score at 1-1.
With this result, the Super Eagles top Group D with 11 points from five matches, while Benin hold second place with seven points.
Super Eagles Coach Names Final 28-Man Squad for 2025 AFCON in Morocco
Super Eagles manager Eric Chelle has announced Nigeria’s final 28-man squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), set to take place in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026. The squad includes three goalkeepers, eight defenders, eight midfielders, and nine forwards.
Notable inclusions are Omonia’s Francis Uzoho and Trabzonspor’s Paul Onuachu, who return to the national team, while Maduka Okoye and Tolu Arokodare were left out. Chelle also added several fresh faces across defense, midfield, and attack.
Defensive reinforcements include Ryan Alebiosu of Blackburn Rovers and Igoh Ogbu from Slavia Prague, both earning their first call-ups. Seasoned defenders like Calvin Bassey, Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, Chidozie Awaziem, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, and Porto’s Zaidu Sanusi complete the backline.
In midfield, Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Wilfred Ndidi, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, and Raphael Onyedika provide experience, while newcomers Ebenezer Akinsanmiro (Inter Milan), Usman Muhammed, and former Flying Eagles standout Tochukwu Nnadi add depth.
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The attack is spearheaded by captain Victor Osimhen, supported by Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Sevilla’s Akor Adams and Chidera Ejuke, Panathinaikos’ Cyriel Dessers, and the newly called-up Paul Onuachu. Lawal Salim Fago, a Croatia-based forward and former Flying Eagles player, also joins the squad.
Goalkeepers include Uzoho, Chippa United’s Stanley Nwabali—whose fitness is uncertain—and Amas Obasogie from Singida Black Stars.
Nigeria will compete in Group C alongside Tunisia, Tanzania, and Uganda. The Super Eagles’ AFCON campaign begins on December 23 against Tanzania at the Complexe Sportif de Fès, followed by a highlight clash against Tunisia on December 27. The group stage concludes on December 31 with Nigeria facing Uganda.
In preparation, the team will hold a pre-tournament camp in Egypt and is expected to play an unofficial friendly against Egypt on December 16.
The Super Eagles, runners-up at the previous AFCON after a 2–1 loss to hosts Ivory Coast, aim to secure their fourth continental title, adding to their 1980, 1994, and 2013 championships.
Madueke Shines as Arsenal Beat Club Brugge to Maintain 100% Champions League Record
Noni Madueke struck twice as Arsenal extended their flawless run in the UEFA Champions League, defeating Club Brugge 3–0 to all but seal a place in the knockout stage.
Manager Mikel Arteta made five changes to the side that lost to Aston Villa, and one of those adjustments paid off early. Madueke opened the scoring with a brilliant solo effort, holding off a defender before firing a thunderous 20-yard strike that crashed in off the crossbar.
Club Brugge threatened briefly towards halftime, but Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya produced crucial saves to deny Christos Tzolis and Aleksandar Stankovic, preserving the Gunners’ lead.
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Just two minutes into the second half, Madueke doubled his tally, heading in an excellent cross from Martin Zubimendi. Gabriel Martinelli then added Arsenal’s third in the 56th minute with a superb curling finish that put the result beyond doubt.
The night brought additional positives for Arsenal as Gabriel Jesus made his first appearance in 342 days after recovering from an ACL injury, while 16-year-old Marli Salmon came on to make his senior debut. Jesus nearly capped his return with a goal, but his late strike rattled the crossbar.
With the win, Arsenal move to 18 points — surpassing last season’s threshold for a top-eight finish — and are now firmly on course to avoid the February play-offs and advance directly to the round of 16.
Madueke Shines as Arsenal Beat Club Brugge to Maintain 100% Champions League Record
Manchester City Stun Real Madrid with Dramatic Comeback in Champions League Clash
Manchester City produced a brilliant comeback performance to defeat Real Madrid 2–1 in a thrilling UEFA Champions League clash, piling further pressure on Los Blancos manager Xabi Alonso, whose job now hangs in the balance.
Real Madrid, already battling poor league form and reports of a culture clash between Alonso and his players, failed to capitalise on their early lead despite dominating the opening stages at the Santiago Bernabéu. Star forward Kylian Mbappé was only fit enough for the bench and did not feature, leaving Real without their leading goalscorer on a difficult night.
The hosts thought they had the perfect start when Matheus Nunes fouled Vinicius Jr inside two minutes, but after a VAR review, the referee changed the penalty to a free-kick on the edge of the box. Federico Valverde fired narrowly wide from the resulting effort, while Vinicius Jr also missed a close chance moments later.
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Real eventually broke through as Rodrygo latched onto Jude Bellingham’s sweeping cross-field pass and smashed in his first goal since March. But their lead lasted only seven minutes. Young City academy defender Nico O’Reilly reacted quickest inside the box, prodding in after a Josko Gvardiol header forced a loose ball from goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
City completed the turnaround just before half-time when Erling Haaland won and converted a penalty after being brought down by Antonio Rudiger.
Real Madrid pushed for an equaliser after the break, with Bellingham chipping over the bar and substitute Endrick seeing a header glance off the crossbar. But Manchester City held firm to claim a huge Champions League victory, leaving Alonso under intense scrutiny as Real’s troubled season deepens.
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