Nigeria coach dismisses talk of player anger of bonusesChelle declined to comment about reports that Osimhen was on the verge of walking out of the team after an on-field argument with teammate Ademola Lookman during the Super Eagles’ 4-0 win over Mozambique in the last 16 on Monday.”I prefer to speak about the (upcoming) game. Victor is there and that’s all,” Chelle said. “Yes, everyone’s speaking about Osimhen and Lookman, it’s normal, they’re the last two best African players, but we’re here to serve them to score, we’re working for them. We’re a team, and that’s what teamwork is all about.”Lawrence Ostlere10 January 2026 15:35Nigeria coach dismisses talk of player anger of bonusesNigeria’s preparations for this Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final against Algeria have been dogged by speculation about internal strife involving star striker Victor Osimhen and reports that the players were not being paid their bonuses.Nigeria coach Eric Chelle would not comment on the reports Friday, when he said such questions need to be directed to the Nigeria Football Federation.”This is my job, to stay focused — to try to stay focused — to stay focused about only the pitch (field), and definitely my job is on the pitch, not around,” Chelle said in Marrakech a day before Nigeria plays Algeria in the city.The NFF still advertises a vacancy for the position of head coach of the men’s team, a year and a day after it appointed Chelle to the position.Nigerian media outlets reported that the players had threatened not to train or travel to Marrakech for the match unless they were paid agreed bonuses for winning their first four Africa Cup games.Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle (AFP via Getty Images)Lawrence Ostlere10 January 2026 15:29Diaz delights home fansBrahim Diaz was the hero for Morocco and is the top scorer in the tournament so far.Brahim Diaz (Reuters)Lawrence Ostlere10 January 2026 15:24Last night’s quarter-finalsThe hosts Morocco sealed their first Afcon semi-final since 2004 with a convincing win over Cameroon.Brahim Diaz scored for the fifth game in a row at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations as hosts Morocco defeated Cameroon 2-0 in their quarter-final clash to keep alive their hopes of a first continental title in 50 years.Ismael Saibari was also on target in another workmanlike display in which Morocco were efficient enough, but also created little in the way of chances, netting from two of their three shots on target.Cameroon had a strong shout for a…
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2026-01-10 15:48:23
