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Super Eagles Kick Off AFCON 2025 Against Tanzania

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Super Eagles begin AFCON 2025 Group C campaign against Tanzania

Super Eagles begin AFCON 2025 Group C campaign against Tanzania on December 23, aiming to build on past success and secure a fourth continental title

Nigeria’s Super Eagles will launch their Africa Cup of Nations 2025 campaign on Tuesday, facing Tanzania’s Taifa Stars in the Group C opener at the Complexe Sportif de Fès, Morocco.

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Also read: Davido Sparks Buzz With Bold Super Eagles AFCON Bet

The three-time champions aim to build on their runner-up finish in the 2023 edition while overcoming recent setbacks in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

Nigeria enter the match as favourites against a Tanzanian side that has never progressed beyond the group stage in their four AFCON appearances.

Historically, Nigeria holds a strong record against Tanzania. Across seven meetings, the Super Eagles have won four matches and drawn three without defeat, scoring 11 goals and conceding three.

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In their sole AFCON encounter in 1980, Nigeria triumphed 3–1 in the opening Group A match, with goals from Lawal, Onyedika, and Odegbami.

Despite their pedigree, Nigeria face challenges with key defenders unavailable. Ola Aina is injured, while former captain William Troost-Ekong has retired, placing added pressure on central defenders Calvin Bassey and Semi Ajayi.

Interim coach Eric Chelle will rely on a potent attacking line-up led by Napoli’s Victor Osimhen and Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman. The likely starting XI includes:

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  • Goalkeeper: Stanley Nwabali
  • Defenders: Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey
  • Wing-backs: Bright Osayi-Samuel, Zaidu Sanusi
  • Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi (captain), Frank Onyeka, Alex Iwobi
  • Forwards: Simon Moses, Ademola Lookman, Victor Osimhen

Nigeria also boasts strong bench options, including Ryan Alebiosu, Bruno Onyemaechi, Chidozie Awaziem, Raphael Onyedika, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Samuel Chukwueze, and Paul Onuachu.

Alos read: Davido Sparks Buzz With Bold Super Eagles AFCON Bet

The match kicks off at 18:30 WAT (6:30 PM) at the Complexe Sportif de Fès. Fans can watch live and free-to-air on Channel 4 (UK), with additional streaming available via SuperSport and beIN Sports.

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Liverpool Releases Moving Biography Honouring Diogo Jota

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Liverpool Diogo Jota biography, Forever in Our Hearts, celebrates the late forward’s life, career and legacy, with profits funding grassroots football

Liverpool Football Club have released a new biography celebrating the life and legacy of former forward Diogo Jota, with all profits from the book set to support a grassroots football programme being established in his name through the LFC Foundation.

Also read: PRP Rejects Bauchi’s Proposed N298bn Loan

Titled ‘Forever in Our Hearts’, the biography was written by Portuguese author and former professional footballer José Delgado and published by Reach Sport. Liverpool announced the release on Thursday, October 22, 2026, through a post on the club’s official X account.

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The book traces Jota’s journey from his early years in Portugal to his rise as one of his generation’s respected forwards and a much-loved member of the Liverpool football family.

Drawing on interviews with family members, friends, teammates and coaches, the biography offers a personal account of the footballer’s character, professional achievements and relationships beyond the pitch.

Contributors include Jota’s wife, Rute, his parents, Isabel and Joaquim, and former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp, alongside more than 90 other people who knew him throughout his life and career.

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Their recollections highlight Jota’s determination, humility and commitment to football, while exploring the personal qualities that earned him affection among teammates, supporters and colleagues.

The biography also celebrates the close bond between Jota and his brother, André Silva, reflecting on the impact both men had on those around them and the wider football community.

Jota enjoyed significant success during his career, winning the Premier League with Liverpool and the UEFA Nations League with Portugal.

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His performances, work ethic and contribution to the teams he represented helped establish his reputation in European football.

However, ‘Forever in Our Hearts’ also confronts the tragedy of July 2025, when Jota and André died, leaving family members, friends, teammates and supporters mourning their loss.

Delgado said the project began as an effort to preserve Jota’s memory during a period of profound sadness, with a commitment to presenting an honest and respectful account of the lives of both brothers.

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“My commitment throughout was to tell his story with care, honesty and respect for Diogo, André, and the family and friends who loved them,” Delgado said.

The author added that the willingness of those closest to the brothers to share their memories had helped capture their personalities and the depth of affection they inspired.

Reflecting on Jota’s relationship with Liverpool, Delgado said the accounts gathered during his research revealed qualities extending beyond his footballing ability, including humility, dedication and personal character.

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He expressed hope that the biography would provide a lasting tribute while inspiring future generations of footballers.

The book is available through official Liverpool FC stores and online, with proceeds directed towards the grassroots football programme being developed in Jota’s name through the LFC Foundation.

The release forms part of Liverpool’s continuing efforts to honour the forward and his brother. Earlier in 2026, the club unveiled a permanent memorial outside Anfield, giving supporters a dedicated place to remember the brothers and reflect on their legacy.

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Through the biography and the planned community football initiative, Liverpool is seeking to ensure that Jota’s influence endures beyond his playing career, helping create opportunities for young people to participate in the sport he loved.

Also read: PRP Rejects Bauchi’s Proposed N298bn Loan

The project combines remembrance with a practical commitment to grassroots development, offering a way for Jota’s passion for football to continue benefiting future generations.

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