Honestly, if you had told any Nigerian fan two months ago that we’d be sitting here on January 14, 2026, watching the Super Eagles prepare for an AFCON semi-final against Morocco, they would’ve probably laughed in your face. Or cried. Probably both. After that soul-crushing failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup—losing that play-off to DR Congo—the mood around Nigerian football was basically "ground zero."
But football is weird like that. It moves fast.
Right now, news now football nigeria isn't just about the disappointment of missing the global stage; it’s about a team that has somehow found its soul in the middle of a Moroccan winter. Eric Chelle, the man who stepped into the chaos after Finidi George’s resignation, has turned this group into a goal-scoring machine. We aren't just winning games; we are bullying teams.
The Semi-Final Showdown: Nigeria vs. Morocco
The big one is happening tonight at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. 9:00 pm. It's the most prolific attack in the tournament (that's us, with 14 goals) going up against the tightest defense (the hosts).
CAF has already handed the whistle to Daniel Nii Laryea from Ghana. Hopefully, the officiating doesn't become the story, because let's be real—the quarter-final against Algeria was messy. People are still talking about the post-match chaos and the "unacceptable behavior" CAF is investigating.
The Super Eagles beat Algeria 2-0 to get here, but the Algerians were livid with referee Issa Sy. They felt robbed. We just felt relieved. Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams did the business, but it wasn't exactly a friendly handshake at the final whistle.
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Why the 4-4-2 is actually working
For years, we’ve watched Nigerian coaches try to cram too many stars into systems that felt like wearing shoes two sizes too small. Chelle changed that. He’s basically gone back to basics with a vertical 4-4-2 that lets Alex Iwobi roam free behind the front line.
- Ademola Lookman is playing like a man possessed. He’s been involved in 50% of our goals so far.
- Victor Osimhen looks like he’s finally enjoying himself again, bagging four goals and two assists.
- Akor Adams has been the perfect "chaos factor" alongside them.
They’ve already scored 14 times. They only need two more to break the all-time AFCON record set by Côte d’Ivoire in 2008. Think about that for a second. This team was supposedly "broken" in November.
Transfer Chaos: Osimhen, Onyedika, and the New Kid in Leipzig
While the national team is busy in Rabat, the January transfer window is absolutely humming in the background. If you’re looking for news now football nigeria on the club side, it's a bit of a mixed bag of massive moves and "thanks, but no thanks."
First off, Bayern Munich has basically killed the Osimhen dream. Reports from Germany say they’re sticking with Harry Kane and looking for a cheaper backup. Victor is still at Galatasaray for now, valued at roughly €75m, and he seems happy enough trying to convince Ademola Lookman to join him in Istanbul.
Then there's Raphael Onyedika. The midfielder has been a rock for us in this AFCON, and Galatasaray (they really love Nigerians, don't they?) is reportedly closing in on a €23 million deal with Club Brugge.
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But the "where did he come from?" story of the week is Suleman Sani. The 19-year-old winger just signed for RB Leipzig for €5 million from AS Trenčín. He’s taking the number 18 shirt. Leipzig doesn't miss when it comes to scouting, so keep an eye on this kid. He’s fast, physical, and clearly the next "big thing" the NFF will be hovering over.
The NPFL: Rivers United and the Rabiu Ali Ageless Wonder
Don't ignore the local league just because the AFCON is on. The Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) is halfway through the 2025/2026 season, and it’s a dogfight.
Rivers United is currently sitting at the top with 37 points, but Abia Warriors are breathing down their necks. What’s actually wild is the top scorers' list. Victor Mbaoma is leading the way with 8 goals, but look at the name at number five: Rabiu Ali. The man is 45 years old and still bagging goals for Kano Pillars. 45! That’s not a typo. It’s a testament to how weird and wonderful the NPFL can be.
The league is currently on a brief break or playing catch-up fixtures while the country focuses on the Super Eagles, but the quality has been surprisingly high this year. Ikorodu City and Nasarawa United are both in the top four, which honestly, nobody predicted in August.
What Most People Are Getting Wrong
There’s this narrative that Nigeria’s current success is "luck" or just "individual talent." It’s not. It’s actually better management.
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When Finidi George resigned last year after the World Cup qualifier disaster (that 2-1 loss to Benin Republic was the low point), the NFF finally stopped chasing "big names" and focused on a coach who understood the African landscape. Eric Chelle has brought a tactical discipline we haven't seen since the Stephen Keshi era.
We also need to talk about the "World Cup trauma." 15 of the players currently in Morocco were part of the team that lost the AFCON final to Côte d’Ivoire last time. They are playing with a chip on their shoulder. They feel like they owe the fans for the World Cup miss. You can see it in how they press. They aren't just playing; they're apologizing.
Practical Next Steps for Fans
If you're following the action tonight, here's what you actually need to do to stay updated:
- Watch the Midfield Battle: Keep an eye on Onyedika. If he controls the tempo against Morocco's Hakimi and Amrabat, Nigeria wins. Simple as that.
- Monitor the VAR: Given the drama in the quarter-finals, expect some controversial calls. CAF is under pressure to "get it right" after the Algeria complaints.
- Check the NPFL Standings: Once AFCON ends, the local league resumes full-throttle. Watch Rivers United; they are the most balanced club side in the country right now.
- Osimhen Watch: Don't expect a move before the AFCON final. His focus is entirely on the trophy, but the February 1st deadline is looming.
Nigeria football is a rollercoaster. We went from the "darkest period in a decade" in November 2025 to being 90 minutes away from another continental final in January 2026. Whether we lift the trophy or not, the "Super Eagles" are finally soaring again, and honestly, it’s about time.