Following Algeria’s 6-2 extra-time victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo on Tuesday, the CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 has now largely been confirmed.
In Rabat, Algeria outshot DR Congo 10-0, with substitute Anis Boulbina scoring the winning goal in the 119th minute to keep them in the top eight.
With a convincing 4–0 victory over Mozambique, Nigeria will now face them in the quarter-finals.
READ MORE: Algeria Beats DR Congo In Extra Time to Face Nigeria in Quarter-Finals
In that game, Victor Osimhen scored twice to win the Super Eagles.
Senegal, Mali, Morocco, Cameroon, Egypt, and Côte d’Ivoire defeated Burkinabe 3–0 with goals from Amad Diallo (20), Yan Diomande (32), and substitute Bazoumana Touré (87).
Quarter-Final Fixtures
Friday, January 9th,
Grand Stade de Tanger, Tangier, 5 p.m. WAT vs. Mali
9 p.m. WAT at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium between Cameroon and Morocco.
Saturday, January 10th,
Ouahat Sidi Brahim vs. Algeria at 5 p.m. WAT vs. Nigeria
8 p.m. WAT – Egypt vs. Côte d’Ivoire – Stade Adrar, Agadir
His team were knocked out of the Africa Cup of Nations in agonising fashion on Tuesday, but the Democratic Republic of Congo’s human statue Michel Kuka Mboladinga will be remembered as the tournament’s most remarkable supporter.
The colourfully-dressed Kuka has earned fame as the fan who stands completely immobile throughout his team’s games, looking towards the sky with his right arm raised and palm openHe has become a media star and on Tuesday was accompanied by a delegation of several hundred Congolese supporters whose trip to Morocco was paid for by the country’s government.
Democratic Republic of Congo’s supporter Michel Kuka Mboladinga (L), pays tribute to Democratic Republic of Congo’s late prime minister Patrice Lumumba, by remaining motionless before the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) round of 16 football match between Algeria and Democratic Republic of Congo at the Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat on January 6, 2026. (Photo by Gabriel BOUYS / AFP)
They took their place in the stands in Rabat for the last-16 tie against Algeria which the Leopards lost 1-0 to a goal late in extra time.Kuka’s pose is inspired by that of a statue of Congolese independence leader and former prime minister Patrice Lumumba which stands in Kinshasa.
Democratic Republic of Congo’s supporter Michel Kuka Mboladinga, pays tribute to Democratic Republic of Congo’s late prime minister Patrice Lumumba, by remaining motionless before the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) round of 16 football match between Algeria and Democratic Republic of Congo at the Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat on January 6, 2026. (Photo by Gabriel BOUYS / AFP)
Lumumba briefly served as the country’s first prime minister in 1960 and was assassinated the following year by a combination of separatists from the region of Katanga and Belgian mercenaries.READ ALSO: Algeria Beat DR Congo In Extra Time, To Face Nigeria In Quarter-FinalsHis body was dissolved in acid and never found, although it was discovered decades later that remains, including a tooth, had been kept in Belgium.The killing is one of the darkest moments in the history of relations between Belgium and its former colony.Congolese fans at the Cup of Nations who spoke to AFP expressed pride at seeing Kuka’s tribute to Lumumba.Kuka is “our brother”, said 30-year-old Laetitia Malula during a gathering of supporters in Casablanca on the eve of the Algeria game.
“He has chosen to imitate Lumumba…our hero. That is we why we chant his name.”
DR Congo’s participation in the Cup of Nations has come amid an ongoing conflict in the east of the country along its border with Rwanda, where conflict has flared since 2021 with the resurgence of the Rwandan-backed M23 armed group.
Algeria’s supporter makes a sign as Democratic Republic of Congo’s supporter Michel Kuka Mboladinga (L), pays tribute to Democratic Republic of Congo’s late prime minister Patrice Lumumba, by remaining motionless before the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) round of 16 football match between Algeria and Democratic Republic of Congo at the Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat on January 6, 2026. (Photo by Gabriel BOUYS / AFP)
But 35-year-old Jered Bitobo, head of communication of the supporters group to which Kuka belongs, described his compatriot’s pose as “a sign of peace”.”He is sending out a strong message, both at local and international level. The open palm is a sign of peace and we need peace in our country,” Bitobo said.It is understood that Kuka first performed the pose several years ago during matches of leading Congolese side AS Vita Club.
Amad Diallo, a winger for Manchester United, led the Ivory Coast to victory over Burkinabe 3-0 on Monday, making them the first African Cup of Nations defending champions since 2010.
Before half-time, Diallo scored the opening goal and Yan Diomande’s second. In Marrakech’s final minutes, substitute Bazoumana Toure put the finishing touches on the score.
Ivory Coast will now travel south to Agadir, Morocco, to take on Egypt in the semi-finals on Saturday.
Seven title holders have failed to make the last eight since Egypt successfully defended the title in Angola 16 years ago.
After the group stage, Egypt and Nigeria failed to qualify for the tournament, and Senegal and Cameroon and Senegal made last-16 exits, while Zambia, Ivory Coast, and Algeria were eliminated.
Ivory Coast’s forward #26 Yan Diomande and Burkinabe’s forward #21 Cyriaque Irie Bi are interplayed during the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) round of 16 football match between Ivory Coast and Burkinabe on January 6, 2026 at the Grand Stadium in Marrakech. (FRANCK FIFE/AFP photo)
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After just five minutes of fouling Diallo, Burkinabe defender Adamo Nagalo was sent yellow. The Red Devil, however, was disappointed with the resultant free kick, which aimed embarrassingly wide.
When Franck Kessie attempted to direct a shot into the roof of the net, the Ivory Coast were occupying the lead.
The title-holders advanced 20 minutes later with a sense of inevitability. Before striking the ball past goalkeeper Herve Koffi, Diallo swung his way past several defenders.
A VAR review confirmed the Sudanese referee’s decision to grant the goal, despite Burkinabe claiming Nagalo had been body checked by Evann Guessand and Evann Guessand.
Ouattara woodworking is
The Ivorians’ dominance was so great that it was surprising when they jumped on top 32 minutes, at the foot of the Atlas mountain range, on a cold, dry night, at the foot of the Atlas mountains.
This time, Diallo provided the service. Diomande, 19, was given no chance when he passed the ball across the box as it flew into the left corner with a superbly bent shot.
Burkinabe almost nearly halved the amount in a eponymous raid.
On January 6, 2026, Ivory Coast’s forward #11 Jean-Philippe Krasso (L) closes in on Burkinabe defender #08 Issa Kabore in the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) round of 16 football match between Ivory Coast and Burkinabe in Marrakech at the Grand Stadium. (FRANCK FIFE/AFP photo)On January 6, 2026, Ivory Coast’s midfielder #06 Seko Fofana celebrates after the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) round of 16 football match between Ivory Coast and Burkinabe in Marrakech’s Grand Stadium. (Franck FIFE/AFP photo)
deficit as Brentford’s Dango Ouattara struck the base of the post from the right. Yahia Fofana, a relief goalkeeper, grabbed the rebound.
As half-time approached, Burkinabe coach Brama Traore replaced Nagalo with midfielder Blati Toure. Georgi Minoungou replaced Lassina Traore in a different substitution during the break.
The Burkinabe had more success when play resumed and almost scored on the hour mark despite being out of possession for the first 45 minutes.
Fofana quickly reacted at his near post as Ouattara connected with a low cross to save the ball from danger.
With 20 minutes left, Burkinabe Sunderland’s Bertrand Traore was introduced. He made his AFCON debut in 2012 as a 16-year-old, and he is now taking the tournament six times.
Diallo had a fantastic chance to score again thanks to an Ivorian counterattack, but Koffi used his leg to prevent a corner with a close-range shot.
Hansi Flick, the coach for Barcelona, said that keeping the Spanish Super Cup this week would help his team’s other goals this year.
In a semifinal match at Jeddah, Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah Sports City stadium on Wednesday, the record 15-time champions take on Athletic Bilbao.
The first victory of Flick’s reign, followed by victories in La Liga and the Copa del Rey, came last year when Barca won the competition as the first leg of a domestic treble.
Former Bayern Munich coach Flick praised the tournament as being “a little bit different” from the equivalent competition in Germany.
“We had a lot of energy for the rest of the season thanks to winning the Super Cup last year,” said one participant.
Barcelona are favorites to win the Super Cup and lead La Liga after nine straight victories in the top flight, despite significant questions still lingering about their defense.
Late goals and a sensational performance from stopper Joan Garcia earned the Catalans a 2-0 victory in a tense derby on Saturday despite being outplayed by neighboring Espanyol.
Read more about the Super Eagles’ 4-0 victory over Mozambique in the AFCON quarterfinals.
Flick urged his team to perform better at the back if they wanted to win the sixth tournament held in Saudi Arabia.
“We have to work on our things because it won’t be an easy match (if) we make the same mistakes as on Saturday,” Flick said.
We must play much better in the defense, stay connected as a unit, and do the same for the defense, as I did on Saturday.
Cancelo incoming,  
After a protracted mental health break, central defender Ronald Araujo may return to action this week.
Following a red card in Barcelona’s 3-0 Champions League defeat by Chelsea in November, the Uruguayan was given a month’s worth of leave.
We haven’t decided how to proceed with this training (session), so we will see it today and I will want to speak with him.
“It takes time, so I’m thinking we might change something if he feels ready for tomorrow,” he said. “Also, it’s not our plan at this time.
Flick confirmed that Barcelona are close to signing Joao Cancelo from Al-Hilal until the end of the season, but the deal is still pending.
“With Joao, maybe he can give us more options as full-back, both sides in the offence, good quality, but (as far as I know, it’s not done,” Flick said.
Cancelo signed for Barcelona from Manchester City on loan during the 2023-2024 season.
Athletic, who is eighth in La Liga, won the Super Cup three times before losing to Barcelona in the final in 2021.
Better records are only Barcelona and Real Madrid, who have won 13 games. Real Madrid’s Xabi Alonso will face Atletico Madrid in the other Super Cup semi-final on Thursday.
The Nigerian condition is a curious one. We possess an unparalleled talent for snatching profound discourse from the jaws of simple, unambiguous joy. Take, for instance, yesterday.
Our Super Eagles delivered a masterclass, a commanding 4–0 victory over Mozambique to soar into the AFCON quarter-finals.
It was a performance of grit, flair, and decisive finishing. Yet, before the final whistle had finished echoing, the national conversation had been hijacked. The triumph was relegated to a sidebar.
What Was The Main Event?
For Nigerians, it was a fleeting, fever-pitch spat between Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman.
Let us not mince words: Osimhen’s behaviour was poor. In the 63rd minute, with Nigeria already 3–0 up and himself on the cusp of a hat-trick, he felt Lookman should have squared the ball.
Victor James Osimhen of Nigeria and Ademola Olajide Lookman of Nigeria gestures during the AFCON Group C match between Mozambique and Nigeria at Fes stadium, Fes, Morocco on January 5, 2026. (Photo by Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto) (Photo by Ulrik Pedersen / NurPhoto / NurPhoto via AFP)
His reaction: a volcanic eruption of shouts and gestures, needing restraint from Wilfred Ndidi, his captain and even a Mozambican player, was the very picture of petulance. To publicly rebuke a teammate, to snipe and point, is conduct unbecoming of a star who carries the weight of the country on his shoulders.
It creates a visual, a snippet of discord that feeds a ravenous media beast. He followed it by asking to be substituted and sitting apart, a sulk that completed an immature picture. An apology to the squad is not up for debate; it is compulsory.
READ ALSO: ‘He Is My Brother’: Lookman Downplays Altercation With Osimhen During Mozambique Match
But herein lies the Nigerian paradox: our reaction to the wrongdoing has become a greater spectacle, and arguably a greater folly, than the act itself. We have spiralled from criticising a moment of hot-headed passion into a full-blown moral inquisition.
A government official felt compelled to label him a man of “big talent, but poor character,” a statement as profound as it is pointless. The court of public opinion has tried and sentenced him for crimes against team spirit.
This collective hand-wringing assumes the dressing room is in tatters, ignoring the most pertinent voices: those of the men who were actually on the pitch.
Consider Lookman, the supposed victim. He has shown more sense than a timeline full of pundits. When asked, he dismissed the drama with a shrug. “I don’t really think that’s really important, the team won 4–0,” he said, before calling Osimhen “our number one guy” and “my brother.”
Captain Wilfred Ndidi called it a “competitive mindset.” The people in the arena have moved on. Why are we, in the bleachers, still holding a séance for a conflict that has already been buried?
Our obsession is rooted in a deep-seated, almost generational trauma. The conversation around it immediately spirals into a comparison with the silent, corrosive cancers of teams past.
We speak in hushed tones about the 1994 squad, where legends like Keshi were accused not of shouting, but of freezing teammates out — a quiet, brutal ostracisation that I believe cost us a World Cup quarter-final.
This history makes us pathologically afraid of hidden divisions.
From my point of view, in a twisted way, Osimhen’s open fury is almost reassuring; it is a problem the coach can see and address. It’s the messy, public catharsis versus a silent, smiling poison.
We are arguing about which kind of dysfunction we prefer, a debate that itself is a symptom of our anxiety.
READ ALSO: Osimhen’s Spat With Lookman Won’t Disrupt Super Eagles’ Rhythm At AFCON 2025 — Ibitoye
The crux of the matter is this: we are punishing visible passion more severely than we ever would concealed malice. Osimhen’s crime is that his frustration, his desperate, all-consuming hunger to score and win, spilled out for the cameras to see.
This is the same fuel that, months ago, saw him publicly apologise to the country for a missed penalty, then redeem himself with a heroic extra-time brace. The fire that warms can also scorch. The real question is not about this one spark, but whether the hearth is still sound.
And the evidence suggests it is. Lookman provided two assists for Osimhen in the same match. They have celebrated goals in each other’s arms. This is the functional reality, the professional understanding that outweighs a momentary fraying of tempers.
While we are busy composing think-pieces on leadership and ego, former players like the Headmaster, Mutiu Adepoju, are wisely focusing on the “dominant, improving form.”
The lesson from those who have worn the shirt is clear: win football matches. Resolve your issues behind closed doors. The trophy is the only discourse that matters.
Osimhen must apologise. He must channel that formidable fire with more wisdom. But Nigeria must also grow up. We must learn the difference between a storm in a teacup and a ship actually sinking.
Baba Eagles have just navigated their most convincing performance in years. Instead of feverishly scanning the decks for leaks, maybe we should just help them steer towards the title. Their job is to win. Ours, for once, should be just to let them.
Toyin Ibitoye, the ex-Super Eagles media officer, advised Nigeria to stay focused despite their 4-0 victory over Mozambique at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
“You can only face the opponent’s team,” he said. Some people think that being successful in a competition does not automatically mean you are the best. On Tuesday’s edition of Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, Ibitoye remarked, “You are just lucky to beat all the teams that have been placed ahead of you.”  ,
The following game is “your most significant game.” You think about the upcoming game ahead of you, not yourself. On the breakfast program, he said, “That’s the most important game for you to play.”
Read more about the Super Eagles’ 4-0 victory over Mozambique and their AFCON quarterfinals here.
Victor Osimhen scored twice, Ademola Lookman scored once, and Akor Adams scored once more to place Nigeria in the top eight.
The Super Eagles, who are currently scoring 12 goals in their first 12 games under the direction of Coach Eric Chelle, have not lost a game so far.
With only four goals scored from Nigeria, Monday’s victory over the Mambas is its biggest win of the AFCON.
With the Mozambicans out, Nigeria’s focus shifts to the quarter-finals, where they will face Algeria or DR Congo. On Tuesday, that match will be played.
Which one of them emerges from today’s game, according to Ibitoye, will be a respectable opponent and will merit the full attention.
Coincidentally, the Super Eagles have a history between both sides. In the AFCON semi-finale in 2019, Nigeria fell to Algeria. In the final match of the African Play-Off for the 2026 World Cup, the Leopards of DR Congo defeated Nigeria.
