Sports
Benin Make History with Maiden AFCON Finals Victory
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Yohan Roche etched his name into Benin’s football history on Saturday, scoring the decisive goal in a 1–0 victory over Botswana in Group D of the Africa Cup of Nations.
The defining moment came in the 28th minute when Roche combined neatly with captain Steve Mounié before firing from close range. A slight deflection off a defender wrong-footed the goalkeeper, sending the ball into the net and sparking celebrations among the Benin supporters.
The result marked Benin’s first-ever win at the AFCON finals after 16 previous appearances since their debut in 2004. Before this breakthrough, they had recorded five draws and suffered ten defeats, even though they managed to reach the quarter-finals in 2019.
Botswana struggled to pose a serious threat throughout the contest. Their best opportunity arrived when Mothusi Johnson curled a free-kick that struck the crossbar. Benin, however, could have extended their lead. Goitseone Phoko produced a sharp low save to deny Tamimou Ouorou, while Dodo Dokou squandered a late chance in stoppage time, firing over from 12 yards.
The victory lifts Benin to three points in Group D, level with Senegal and DR Congo, who were scheduled to face each other later in Tangier.
For Botswana, the defeat prolongs a difficult AFCON history. They remain without a win in the competition, having now lost all five of their Africa Cup of Nations matches since making their tournament debut in 2012.
Attention now turns to the next round of fixtures. Benin will face Senegal on Tuesday, while Botswana take on DR Congo. The top two teams in each group, along with the four best third-placed sides, will progress to the Round of 16.
Sports
Nigeria’s Team D’Tigers risks hotel ejection in Angola, over unpaid bills, possible disqualification
Ugly development unfolding as Nigeria’s men’s basketball team, D’Tigers, is facing another administrative and funding crisis after reports emerged that the players risk being evicted from their hotel in Angola and could even face disruption of their campaign in the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup African Qualifiers over unpaid accommodation and participation fees.
The latest development comes barely a day after D’Tigers boosted their qualification hopes with a hard-fought 84-81 victory over Tunisia in their opening Group C game in Luanda on Thursday.
However, despite the impressive result on the court, officials familiar with the tournament say Nigeria has yet to settle its financial obligations to the organisers and hotel management.
A source within the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) told journalists on Friday that the situation could escalate if the payments are not made promptly.
“Your team is looking good, but I don’t know if their participation will be disrupted by their situation here,” the FIBA official said.
“Nigeria has not paid for anything here, even though we understand your government officials could be in Luanda on Friday. I hope they are not ejected from their residence or even stopped from the competition.”
The funding crisis threatens to derail Nigeria’s bid to secure one of Africa’s qualification tickets to the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup, scheduled to be hosted by Qatar.
D’Tigers entered the second qualification window under pressure after managing just one victory from three games in the opening window.
To keep realistic hopes of qualifying alive, the Nigerian side is expected to win all three matches in Angola.
The latest controversy adds to a growing list of administrative setbacks that have plagued Nigerian basketball in recent years.
Only months ago, D’Tigers also battled funding challenges that delayed their preparations and forced the team to arrive at an international competition just moments before tip-off, raising concerns over the welfare of Nigerian athletes and the country’s approach to sports administration.
The crisis also comes after years of instability within Nigerian basketball, including the Federal Government’s suspension of the Nigeria Basketball Federation from international competitions in 2022 following a prolonged leadership dispute. Although the suspension was later lifted after intervention by the International Basketball Federation, concerns over poor funding, administrative inefficiency and inadequate planning have continued to dog the country’s basketball programmes.
Sports stakeholders have repeatedly warned that recurring financial and organisational failures risk undermining the performance of Nigerian teams despite their abundant talent.
Egypt have become the second African country to qualify for the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup.
The Pharoahs beat Australia 4-2 on penalties after the game ended 1-1 after 120 minutes.
Emam Ashour opened the scoring in the first half, before Mohamed Hany’s own goal levelled the game in the 55th minute.
It’s a first ever World Cup knockout win for Egypt and they will face either Argentina or Cape Verde next.
Morocco were the first African team to progress into the Round of 16 and they will take on co-hosts Canada.
Six countries from the continent have already been eliminated.
FIFA is considering switching the 2026 World Cup last-16 match between co-hosts Mexico and Egypt to a 7pm BST kick-off time on Sunday, due to thunderstorms in Mexico City.
The game, which will be played at the Azteca Stadium, was initially scheduled to start 6pm local time on Sunday (1am BST on Monday).
Latin America broadcaster Claro Sports reports that due to forecasts of heavy thunderstorms and rain in the area, the match has been moved to an earlier time.
Andres Vaca, a commentator for Mexico’s official World Cup broadcaster TUDN, has also announced that the kick-off time for Mexico vs England has moved to the earlier time.
FIFA has yet to officially confirm the switch.
Nigeria’s Team D’Tigers risks hotel ejection in Angola, over unpaid bills, possible disqualification
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