With a 1-0 victory over Fenerbahce, Aston Villa moved into the last 16 of the Europa League, while Celtic blew a two-goal lead over Bologna to put their hopes on hold.
In Istanbul, Jadon Sancho’s header midway through the first half gave Villa a sixth victory in seven European games, clinching a spot in the top eight and allowing Unai Emery’s men to avoid the knockout phase play-offs.
On January 22, 2026, Aston Villa’s Dutch goalkeeper #40 Marco Bizot (C) and Aston Villa’s Dutch defender #26 Lamare Bogarde (R) celebrate their victory in Fenerbahce’s Europa League first round day 7 football match at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium in Istanbul. (Photo by Yasin AKGUL/AFP)
In the second half, Matty Cash hit the post, but Villa held on as Fenerbahce pressed for equalizer through goalkeeper Marco Bizot, who made a number of crucial saves.
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Sancho, who signed on loan from Manchester United in September, told TNT Sports, “I’m just happy to get my first goal for Aston Villa and finish it off with a win.”
“Truly, I am aware of my potential.” In that regard, I’m very harsh on myself.
It’s nice to have a manager who supports you and shows genuine belief in you. I’ll try my best, every chance I get, and hopefully I’ll accomplish more goals.
Amadou Onana, a Belgian midfielder for Aston Villa, celebrates winning the Europa League first round day 7 football game between Fenerbahce and Aston Villa on January 22, 2026 at Istanbul’s Sukru Saracoglu Stadium. (Photo by Yasin AKGUL/AFP)
On 18 points, Villa leads only in goal difference behind Lyon, who sits second in the standings. Young Boys secured a spot in the last 16 with a 1-0 victory over Switzerland.
Celtic was forced to accept a 2-2 draw with Bologna, which would have prevented them from leaving the playoffs.
Reo Hatate opened the scoring for Martin O’Neill’s side, but the Japan international was sent off on a second booking in 34 minutes.
Before half-time, Bologna rallied to equalize thanks to goals from Thijs Dallings and Jonathan Rowe from American defender Auston Trusty.
Although Celtic are 23rd in the 36-team standings, a few teams could take the place of them in a later game on Thursday. Next week’s final game between the Scottish champions and Utrecht will be played.
The team showed their true mentality despite it being a difficult ask. It’s unfortunate not to receive three points, Trusty told TNT Sports.
It should be a foundation, not a foundation. Although there has been an odd period, this team is all about winning. Today we were tied, but that’s how it’s going.
“We temporarily lost our way, but we are now finding our way back.”
With the Portugal matchup between Sean Dyche’s men and Nottingham Forest, the Tigers are competing for a fourth win in five in Europe.
Long before the opening whistle, the drums echoed through Morocco’s charged stadiums, deep, rolling, and insistently. As voices swayed in accordance with the accents of Casablanca, Lagos, London, Abuja, Amsterdam, and Casablanca, jewels sprang out under the night sky, and flags sprang up like restless waves.
AFCON 2025 sprang up loudly like a storm. The explosion of fireworks, the metallic ring of cowbells, the roar of vuvuzelas, and the chants of millions condensed into one continental heartbeat are all present. The Super Eagles of Nigeria, wings spread, and poised to soar, were at the center of it all.
On January 10, 2026, Nigeria’s team poses before Algeria and Nigeria’s quarter-final football game at the Grand Stadium in Marrakech. (Photo by Paul ELLIS/AFP)
Read more about The Flight Continues: Nigeria’s AFCON Heroes Sparkle On Return To Club Duties.
This was more than just a football tournament for Nigerians at home and abroad. It was customary. Every kick of the ball felt personal, and screens glowed in crowded living rooms and bars filled with tension.
Football’s loudest and most emotional competition, AFCON 2025, was one that would bring forth beauty, heartache, controversy, and unforgettable moments. And one of its defining stories would be Nigeria’s journey.
Silver lining, struggle, and spirit
Nigeria’s campaign started with optimism and conviction. The Super Eagles, led by coach Eric Chelle, dominated the group stage with their own attacking flair and conviction.
Their tenets were best illustrated by their disciplined defense and sharp attack, which were supported by talismanic forward Victor Osimhen. They defeated their rivals, including Algeria, to reach the semi-finals, demonstrating strength and tactical acumen that honored Nigeria’s rich AFCON pedigree (three previous victories).
On January 14, 2026, Nigeria’s forward #9 Victor Osimhen heads the ball in the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium’s (CAN) semi-final football game between Morocco and Nigeria. (Photo by Paul ELLIS/AFP)
The Super Eagles fought their way to a tense semifinal against Morocco, but it was decided on penalties after 120 minutes of play. Yassine Bounou, the goalkeeper, became the shoot-out hero after Morocco won 42 from the spot.
Unfiltered and emotional responses were heard in Nigeria. There was a lot of pride in Nigeria’s resilience overall, despite some fans’ vents of frustration, including those who criticized winger Samuel Chukwueze’s penalty.
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Following that defeat, the Federal Government restored the squad’s spirits.
You displayed character, teamwork, and resilience even when you were defeated, which are qualities that are significant to the country you represent. Although football has its advantages and disadvantages, Nigerians at home and abroad are resentmented for your efforts, commitment, and fighting spirit throughout the tournament.
You made it clear that embracing green and white requires courage, cohesion, and never giving up. Keep your eyes peeled. Learn from this experience, cooperate, and come back stronger. Mohammed Idris, the minister of information and national orientation, stated that “Nigeria continues to be proud of you and grateful for the joy and hope you gave us during this competition.”
Redemption arrived quickly. Nigeria displayed remarkable composure in the third-place play-off against Egypt. In Casablanca, goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali rescued two penalties as the Super Eagles defeated the Pharaohs 42-28, extending Nigeria’s perfect record for AFCON bronze medal games.
On January 10, 2026, during Algeria and Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) quarter-final football game at the Grand stadium in Marrakech, Victor Osimhen (R) celebrates scoring his country’s first goal. (Photo by Paul ELLIS/AFP)
The bronze medal finish added to Nigeria’s rich AFCON history, which was filled with both domestic and international supporters.
Teams that stood out
Known powerhouses and unexpected rivals rose to the occasion at AFCON 2025. Throughout their campaign, Nigeria excelled. Morocco won the penalty shootout match with a dramatic penalty win over Nigeria, which helped them to advance to the final.
However, Senegal stood out as the tournament’s most potent force. The Lions of Teranga drew from Egypt’s other semifinal against them, defeating them 10-0, before facing Morocco in a contentious final.
Tournament heavyweights like the Ivory Coast and other once-dominant nations occasionally lacked the competitive depth that is now present in African football. There were few pedagogical victories in each game, which reflected the changing caliber of the continental game.
A Final Drama Defined
Senegal won the tournament’s most contentious finals by a point after extra time against Morocco, who had inspired midfielder Pape Gueye to score the winning goal early in extra time.
Sadio Mane, the forward for Senegal, holds up the trophy as he and his teammates celebrate their victory in Morocco’s final game of the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) at Rabat’s Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on January 18, 2026. (Sebastien Bozon/AFP photo)
However, the match wasn’t exactly smooth. Morocco sounded poised to win the stoppage-time penalty after a VAR review, but only for goalkeeper Édouard Mendy to save the Panenka attempt and maintain the lead.
Senegal briefly walked off the pitch in protest, which sparked a stir in the entire football industry. The CAF has confirmed that it is reviewing video footage and has started disciplinary proceedings, arguing that any errors made during the final will be corrected.
The continent’s governing body, the CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 Final between Morocco and Senegal, condemned the unacceptable behavior of some players and officials last night in Rabat.
In a statement released on Monday, the organization said, “CAF strongly condemns any inappropriate behavior that occurs during matches, especially those that targets the refereeing team or match organisers.”
Despite the chaos, Senegal’s unification brought the title home and received a huge cheer from all over West Africa and the diaspora as a victory that extended far beyond the pitch.
Fans, Transcending Cultural Moments
Stories engraved into memory were the focus of AFCON 2025, not just goals and tactics. Passionate supporters shared joy, frustration, and pure spectacle on both stands and screens.
A DR Congo fan named Michel Nkuka Mboladinga stood for hours in remembrance of Patrice Lumumba, a potent example of pride and perseverance transcending football.
From Lagos to London to Abuja to Amsterdam, diaspora fans transformed watching parties into global festivals because of the chants, colors, and cultural expression that were sung in Morocco’s stadiums.
Michel Kuka Mboladinga (L), a supporter of the Democratic Republic of Congo, honors late prime minister Patrice Lumumba by avoiding contact before the Algeria-Democrates’ Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) round of 16 football game at Rabat’s Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium on January 6, 2026. (Photo by Gabriel Bouys/AFP)
Official responses accurately captured the complexity of the conflict. Gianni Infantino, the president of FIFA, condemned behavior during the final while praising the high standard of competition but reiterating that discipline must match quality. He urged respect for officials and the integrity of the game, a sign that sportsmanship must be tempered with passion.
Even as Morocco’s hopes of winning the first championship in 50 years waned, hosting AFCON was a showcase of organization and fan engagement.
The Super Eagles’ efforts were praised by Nigeria’s own leadership back home. Shehu Dikko, the head of the National Sports Council, praised the lessons Senegal learned from Nigeria’s run, offered a candid analysis of the final’s contentious officiating, and praised the overall excellence of the competition. Watch the interview right here.
Algeria’s goalkeeper, Luca Zidane, dives during the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) quarter-final football game between Algeria and Nigeria at the Grand stadium in Marrakech on January 10, 2026. Nigeria’s Calvin Bassey fights for the ball as Algeria’s defender fights for the ball. (Photo by Paul ELLIS/AFP)
The evolving identity of AFCON
Elite football, emotional turmoil, and global resonance were all delivered during AFCON 2025. The intense competition, Morocco’s passionate hosting, and Senegal’s hard-fought championship, revealed a tournament full of drama and quality.
Nigerian players have replaced their club colors with green-white-green jerseys despite the abysmal results of the AFCON 2025 tournament.
Some of the players are just returning to their bases, but others are doing just that. Nigeria came in third place in Morocco’s continental competition.
The AFCON stars of Nigeria are back in the spotlight in some of the most contentious competitions, taking the stage in the competitions from Italy to Turkey, the Champions League to the Spanish La Liga, and from Italy to Turkey.  ,
Akor Adams from Sevilla was the player who bestexed the unwavering Nigerian spirit. The 25-year-old, who was one of the outstanding Super Eagles at the recently concluded AFCON, added a brace just three days after helping Nigeria claim the bronze medal.
Matas Almeyda, the coach of Sevilla, called on the forward at half-time after Elche had a lead of 2-0. He immediately had a double to help his team draw level at 2-2, further supporting the rave reviews he received in Morocco during the AFCON.
The Benue-born forward, who scored two goals for Nigeria in Morocco, was delighted with the brace.
Read more about Algeria’s Zidane and Belghali being banned for their role in the AFCON scuffle in Nigeria.
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Akor’s brace was a flawless return for the Sevilla native, but he was not the only Super Eagles player to go high following an outstanding AFCON.
Ademola Lookman made his debut in club action in style by scoring an assist for Nikola Krstovi in the Bergamo club’s heartfelt 2:0 loss to Athletic Bilbao in the Champions League just after being named in the AFCON team with three goals and four assists.
Osimhen Battles in RAMS Park
On January 5, 2026, Nigeria’s forward #9 Victor Osimhen gestures during the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) round of 16 football match between Nigeria and Mozambique at the Sports Complex stadium in Fes. (Sebastien Bozon/AFP photo)
On Wednesday night, Victor Osimhen made his way back to the biggest stage, the Champions League, just like his fellow compatriot.
The “Masked Assassin” did not score for Atletico Madrid, but he was able to keep his pressing and aerial presence at RAMS Park.
The Turkish champions now turn their attention to domestic affairs ahead of a trip to Manchester City in their Champions League final game against Osimhen, who scored four goals at the AFCON.
AFCON: CAF Honors Nigerian Trio
Ademola Lookman, Calvin Bassey, and Victor Osimhen collaborate on a file photo.
In the Best XI for the 2025 AFCON, CAF included Osimhen, Lookman, and defender Calvin Bassey to cap off a fantastic week of Nigerian football.
Bassey’s composure and relentless work in marshalling the defense for Coach Eric Chelle’s team was rewarded. He only missed the third-place playoff because of a suspension, helping Nigeria keep a clean sheet throughout all knockout games.
Osimhen was named in the Team of the Tournament with four goals, one behind Morocco’s Brahim Diaz, who finished with the tournament’s top scorer.
With seven goal contributions, Lookman’s originality made him a part of that elite squad.
Super Eagles Are Still Soaring
The 2025 AFCON may have been closed off and the medals may have been distributed. The work never comes to an end for Nigerian footballers, though.
According to Deloitte’s Money League study released on Thursday, Real Madrid remained at the top of the football industry as Liverpool for the first time outperformed their English rivals.
Despite failing to win a significant trophy, Spanish giants Madrid managed to bring in nearly 1.2 billion euros ($1.4 billion) in revenue in the 2024/25 season.
The club’s Santiago Bernabeu stadium’s transformation into a multi-purpose facility continues to yield significant rewards. Madrid’s 594 million euros in commercial revenues alone would make up for its position in the top 10.
Barcelona regained second place in Deloitte’s table (975 million euros), despite delays forcing them to play the entire season away from the Camp Nou, which is still being renovated.
Bayern Munich finished third on the list (861 million euros), just a few points ahead of Paris Saint-Germain, whose income was boosted by their debut Champions League title.
Premier League clubs dominate the top 10 while Liverpool is for the first time leading the English delegation.
The Reds’ revenue increased to 836 million euros as a result of Anfield’s expansion, return to the Champions League, and Premier League triumph.
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Both Manchester United and Manchester City are now lower on the list.
After a quick exit from the Champions League and a third-placed Premier League finish following four straight titles, Pep Guardiola’s City dropped to second place.
After failing to win the Champions League and placing 15th in the Premier League, United moved up to eighth place behind Arsenal.
The 20 highest-earning clubs in Europe each reported revenues that increased by 11 percent to 12 billion euros.
“It is no coincidence that the top-ranked clubs have the ability to concentrate on boosting domestic revenue, particularly as domestic broadcast rights plateau,” said Tim Bridge, lead partner at Deloitte Sports Business Group.
Some club business models have undergone a fundamental change, with more effort being put toward maximizing the impact of their brand and stadium assets.
It is now commonplace to have on-site breweries, hotels, and restaurants, which exemplifies a strategic decision to diversify income and create year-round entertainment destinations.
Bayern moved into the top three for the first time since 2020/21 during the first 32-team Club World Cup, while Benfica, who sit in 19th place on the 20-team list, are the first team to join the “big five” leagues of England, Spain, Germany, Italy, and France in four years.
After winning the Champions League, Arsenal became the first women’s team with the highest-earning record.
With revenues of $25.6 million, The Gunners outperformed Chelsea and Barcelona in London.
Bayern Munich defeated Union Saint-Gilloise 2-0 on Wednesday to reach the Champions League’s last 16 in three second-half goals thanks to Harry Kane.
With just one game left, Bayern joined Arsenal to seal a top-eight position in the 36-team standings, avoiding a potential two-legged knockout play-off round.
To put the hosts in complete control, Kane headed in from a corner before winning the penalty.
After being sent off for a second yellow card, Bayern centre-back Kim Min-jae missed a late spot-kick, which the England captain had hoped would be a hat-trick.
Bayern have already jumped to an 11-point lead in the Bundesliga thanks to their Champions League defeat at Arsenal, which is their only loss overall this year.
Bayern now has 103 strikes in total from 29 games, up from Kane’s 34th of the campaign.
READ ALSO: Liverpool Ends Their Champions League Final 16 Match against Marseille.
The lower stand closed because a UEFA sanctioned a pyrotechnics set off, and Bayern were slow in the opening half, perhaps uneasy by the absence of their 9,300-strong ultra contingent.
Belgian champions Union SG had the best chance of winning the opening half.
An unmarked Promise David escaped the Bayern defense and had to beat Manuel Neuer before heading his direct effort at the goalkeeper with 30 minutes left.
With 52 minutes left, Bayern needed a set piece to break the deadlock.
Kane found space at the near post to head his side ahead after Michael Olise lofted the ball into the six-yard box.
Kjell Scherpen’s Union goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen struck Kane and stepped up to double Bayern’s lead a minute later.
In the 63rd minute, Kim was sent off for yanking Raul Florucz’s arm as the winger went on the attack, a rare start given to him with Dayot Upamecano out of the blue.
Bayern’s flow was not affected by the red card, though.
With a 3-0 victory over Marseille on Wednesday, Liverpool made a significant step toward automatic qualification for the Champions League last 16.
The scoreline was glossed over in the second period thanks to a Geronimo Rulli own goal and Cody Gakpo’s strike, which was completed by Dominik Szoboszlai, who had just six games to go.
With a win over Azeri side Qarabag at Anfield next week, Arne Slot’s men, who are currently unbeaten in 13 matches, will move up to fourth place in the 36-team table.
On January 21, 2026, Olympique de Marseille (OM) and Liverpool FC play at the Stade Velodrome in Marseille, southern France, at the end of the UEFA Champions League, league phase day 7, football match. (Photo: Thibaud MORITZ/AFP)
Roberto De Zerbi’s OM’s surprisingly toothless display left them in 19th place and with work to do after their final league game against Club Brugge to advance to the knockout play-off round.
After being dropped off the bench by Slot before helping Egypt reach the Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals, Salah made his first start for Liverpool since November.
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The Egyptian claimed that the club had “under the bus” and that this was what caused him to be omitted from the squad for Inter Milan’s previous Champions League game.
Joe Gomez missed a chance to earn his long-awaited first senior goal when he headed wide from a corner at the Velodrome.
Hugo Ekitike was given a goal for offside after Alexis Mac Allister also made a close call for the visitors.
When Amine Gouiri forced Alisson to a diving save a few minutes later, Salah volleyed an effort from a Jeremie Frimpong cross onto the roof of the net.
On January 21, 2026, Olympique de Marseille (OM) and Liverpool FC played at the Stade Velodrome in Marseille, southern France, to celebrate their third goal, #18 Cody Gakpo (R). (Photo by Miguel Medina/AFP)
Although Liverpool faced a penalty appeal for handball against Timothy Weah, they were denied the penalty kick that was awarded in the second half.
Szoboszlai, who was a substitute for Rulli in Marseille’s Premier League draw at the weekend, stepped up and swung the ball past Marseille goalkeeper Rulli.
Early in the second half, Alisson was successful with a long-range Mason Greenwood save. The home side displayed some promising signs.
Weah blazed over just seconds after a quick Marseille counter-attack, striking the crossbar just before the hour mark with only Rulli to beat.
Ekitike, a striker for France, hammered over another passable opportunity.
With 18 minutes left, Liverpool put the game to bed thanks to Frimpong’s outstanding wriggle to the byline before Rulli deflected his low cross into his own net.
Late in the game, Salah wasted a fantastic chance to score his first club goal in seven games, but substitute Gakpo did just that with a minute and a half to give Liverpool the third.
