Sports
AFCON 2025: Why Super Eagles Have Done So Well In Morocco – Iwobi
Super Eagles midfielder, Alex Iwobi, has said that his good performance for Nigeria in the Africa Cup of Nations was because of the teamwork and strong connection among the players.
The 29-year-old has been one of Nigeria’s best players at the tournament, playing an important role in the middle of the field and helps create most of the team’s chances to score goals.
Iwobi’s display at the tournament has placed him as one of the supporters’ favourite as he sets up chances for his teammates.
His calmness and smart play have also helped Nigeria take control of the game and keep the upper hand in most of their matches so far in the tournament.
At a press conference on Tuesday ahead of the game semifinal clash with Morocco on Wednesday, Iwobi said that the strong team bond has let him play freely and be himself on the field.
“For me, I think the difference is the feeling of brotherhood and family we built together,” he said.
He said that even though the Super Eagles had shown potential in past AFCON tournaments, the team was still growing and not fully ready yet.
“Of course, in the previous AFCON, we did really well, the team was very strong, but at the same time we were young and still getting to know each other,” he added.
“I think right now everyone is in their prime, everyone is doing well for their clubs, and you can see the joy.
“And the chemistry we have when we play for our country.
“I mean, it’s not just about what happens on the field, but also what happens away from it.
“Iwobi said that the teamwork inside the camp, which comes from both the players and the coaches, has been really important for Nigeria’s success. There’s a big family.
“It begins with the coach and the players too. He has brought that sense of brotherhood.
“And you can see on the pitch because we fight for each other. I feel like that’s bringing out the best not just in me but in all the players too.”
The Super Eagles will play against the host team Morocco in the semi-final on Wednesday.
Tottenham Hotspur have parted ways with manager Thomas Frank after a disappointing run of results left the club hovering just five points above the relegation zone.
Frank’s departure comes after Tuesday’s 2-1 home defeat to Newcastle United, which saw the team slide to 16th place in the Premier League table with 29 points from 26 matches.
The decision to sack Frank was made due to the team’s poor performance, which saw them win just twice in their last 17 league games.
Despite being given time and support since his appointment in June 2025, Frank struggled to replicate his success at Brentford, where he consistently over-performed with limited resources.
Recall that Frank was appointed as the new Tottenham head coach in June 2025, succeeding Ange Postecoglou, who was sacked despite winning the Europa League.
Frank’s tenure was marked by inconsistent results and setbacks, including a notable incident where he was seen drinking from a coffee cup bearing the badge of rivals Arsenal.
Frank won just 13 of his 38 games in charge, with a Premier League win percentage of 26.9%, the lowest of any Tottenham manager in the Premier League era.
The team’s fans had been vocal about their discontent with Frank, booing him and chanting for his sacking during Tuesday’s defeat.
The club thanked Frank for his contribution and wished him well in the future.
With Frank’s departure, Tottenham are now searching for itheir sixth permanent manager in seven years, with potential candidates including Roberto De Zerbi, who recently left Marseille.
The team faces a tough challenge in the coming weeks, including a Premier League match against Arsenal on February 22.
Rivers United suffered a 4-1 defeat to defending champions Pyramids FC in their penultimate CAF Champions League group game in Uyo on Sunday.
Stephen Manyo gave Rivers United the lead in the 33rd minute.
Finidi George’s side created more chances afterward but failed to double their advantage.
Pyramids FC took control of the game after the break, scoring four times.
Mostafa Fathi equalised for the visitors in the 52nd minute.
Marwan Hamdi, Odeh Al Fakhouri, and Nasser Maher also scored for the Egyptians.
Manchester City came from behind to beat Liverpool 2-1 at Anfield to stay in the Premier League title race, but the finale was dominated by some controversial decisions.
Manchester City beat Liverpool at Anfield to stay in the Premier League title race – but only after a dramatic finale provided by VAR.
City came from behind to win 2-1 and complete a league double over their rivals in chaotic and confusing fashion.
Dominik Szoboszlai smashed Liverpool ahead with a stunning long-range free-kick yet ended the game with a red card in astonishing fashion.
Bernardo Silva fired City level from Erling Haaland’s knock-down before Alisson clattered Matheus Nunes to hand City a penalty late on. Haaland converted the spot-kick to put City 2-1 up in the 93rd minute.
But more was to come, with Alisson heading up to the other end of the pitch as Liverpool desperately chased an equaliser. That left the goal open on the counter-attack and City thought they had gone 3-1 up in the closing stages as Rayan Cherki’s effort dribbled over the line.
Szoboszlai and Haaland raced back after the ball and pulled each others’ shirts, only for the ball to roll over the goaline untouched. However, VAR cancelled the goal, awarding City a free-kick outside the area while sending off Szoboszlai for the denial of a clear goalscoring opportunity.
Szoboszlai trudged off and City managed to see out the remaining minutes to close the gap on Arsenal at the top of the Premier League to six points. After VAR review, the referee overturned the original decision of goal to Manchester City.
Official Craig Pawson said: “After review, there is a careless foul by Erling Haaland, that pulls the shirt of Dominic Szoboszlai. Prior to that, Szoboszlai commits a holding offence that denies an obvious goal scoring opportunity. The final decision is a direct free kick to Manchester City and a red card.”
It was a chaotic and confusing end to the match, which had Sky Sports co-commentator Gary Neville fuming at referee Craig Pawson.
“You live to watch games like this. I am a fan of VAR but it has just killed the joy,” Neville said. “The reason fans watch football matches is for entertainment and for moments like that.”
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