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AFCON 2025: Indegenious coaches take centre stage as Africa’s finest battle for glory (Page 123)

By Victor Okoye, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

For the first time in AFCON history, all four semi-finalists are led by African Coaches, guaranteeing a fourth consecutive tournament victory for a homegrown tactician.

The milestone highlights a growing shift in African football, where local coaches are trusted to lead, innovate and succeed at the highest continental level.

Recent AFCON history confirms the trend, with Djamel Belmadi winning in 2019, Aliou Cissé triumphing in 2021 and Émerse Faé lifting the trophy in 2023.

NAN reports that at the AFCON 2025, Walid Regragui of Morocco, Hossam Hassan of Egypt, Pape Thiaw of Senegal and Eric Chelle of Mali have carried the torch forward.

The numbers tell a compelling story of local dominance throughout the competition.

Of the 24 teams at AFCON 2025, 15 were led by African coaches, with 11 progressing beyond the group stage.

African-led teams have accounted for 75 per cent of total wins so far, underlining tactical maturity and competitive consistency.

Beyond statistics, cohesion, discipline and cultural understanding have emerged as defining strengths of African managers.

Morocco’s coach, Walid Regragui, said belief and identity remain central to his philosophy.

“We trust our ideas and our players. African coaches understand the mentality needed to win here,” Regragui said.

He added that home support and preparation have been vital.

“Playing at home adds pressure, but also confidence. We embrace both,” he said.

Egypt’s Hossam Hassan described the moment as historic for African coaching.

“This shows African coaches can manage pressure and deliver results at the highest level,” Hassan said.

Hassan, an AFCON winner as a player, is eyeing rare history.

“Winning as a coach would be special, but the focus remains on the team,” he said.

NAN also reports that only Egypt’s Mahmoud El-Gohary and Nigeria’s Stephen Keshi (both of blessed memory) have won AFCON as both player and coach.

Senegal coach Pape Thiaw said local knowledge gives African managers an edge.

“We understand our players, our environment and the rhythm of African football,” Thiaw said.

He credited collective effort for Senegal’s consistency.

“Success comes from discipline, unity and tactical clarity,” Thiaw added.

Eric Chelle of Mali, leading Nigeria at the tournament, praised African coaching growth.

“African coaches are no longer learning; we are leading and setting standards,” Chelle said.

He said trust from federations remains crucial.

“When given support, African coaches can build teams that compete with anyone,” Chelle said.

From Morocco to Egypt, Senegal to Nigeria, African tacticians have shaped AFCON 2025 with authority and vision.

Their adaptability, leadership and understanding of the African game have defined key moments across the tournament.

As AFCON 2025 enters its decisive stage, one truth stands firm.

Whichever nation lifts the trophy, it will also celebrate the continued rise and excellence of Africa’s homegrown football coaches.(NANFeatures)

***If used, please credit the writer and the News Agency of Nigeria.

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

AFCON 2025: Indegenious coaches take centre stage as Africa’s finest battle for glory

By: Magdalene Ukuedojor

On: January 11, 2026

In: Features

With: 0 Comments

By Victor Okoye, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) For the first time in AFCON history, all four semi-finalists are led by African Coaches, guaranteeing a fourth consecutive tournament victory for a homegrown tactician. The milestone highlights a growing shift in African football, where local coaches are trusted to lead, innovateContinue Reading

AFCON 2025: Algeria coach admits Super Eagles’ superiority

By: Magdalene Ukuedojor

On: January 11, 2026

In: Sports

With: 0 Comments

By Victor Okoye Algeria’s Head Coach, Vladimir Petković, has congratulated Nigeria following the Super Eagles’ 2-0 victory in their AFCON quarter-final clash. Petković said Nigeria deserved the win, admitting his team struggled to settle into the match from the opening minutes. According to him, the Super Eagles controlled key aspectsContinue Reading

Hassan praises Pharaohs’ resolve after Egypt’s 3-2 win over Cote d’Ivoire

By: Magdalene Ukuedojor

On: January 11, 2026

In: Sports

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By Victor Okoye Egypt Coach Hossam Hassan has praised his players’ determination after their dramatic 3-2 quarter-final win over holders Cote d’Ivoire at the 2025 CAF Africa Cup of Nations. Mohamed Salah scored and assisted as the Pharaohs resisted Ivory Coast pressure, with clinical finishing making the difference against theContinue Reading

AFCON 2025: Football enthusiasts laud Chelle as Super Eagles soar in Marrakech

By: Magdalene Ukuedojor

On: January 11, 2026

In: Sports

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By Victor Okoye Football enthusiasts in Morocco have praised Super Eagles Coach Eric Chelle after Nigeria’s quarter-final victory over Algeria at the ongoing AFCON in Marrakech. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the win secured Nigeria’s record 16th AFCON semi-final appearance, setting up a last-four clash with hostsContinue Reading

AFCON 2025: BUA Chairman dangles 0,000, goal bonuses for Super Eagles

AFCON 2025: BUA Chairman dangles $500,000, goal bonuses for Super Eagles

By: Magdalene Ukuedojor

On: January 11, 2026

In: General News

With: 0 Comments

BUA Group Chairman, Abdul Samad Rabiu, has pledged cash rewards to Nigeria’s Super Eagles after their 2-0 victory over Algeria in the AFCON 2025 quarter-final. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Rabiu announced the pledge on Saturday via his X handle, congratulating the players for their impressive performanceContinue Reading

Chelle hails Eagles’ grit after Algeria win, eyes Morocco test

By: Magdalene Ukuedojor

On: January 11, 2026

In: Sports

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By Victor Okoye Super Eagles Coach Eric Chelle on Saturday praised his players’ discipline and belief after Nigeria’s deserved 2–0 victory over Algeria at the quarter-final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nigeria booked a record 16th AFCON semi-final appearanceContinue Reading

AFCON 2025: Osimhen downplays records as Eagles soar into AFCON semis

By: Magdalene Ukuedojor

On: January 11, 2026

In: Sports

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By Victor Okoye Victor Osimhen on Saturday expressed delight after helping Nigeria defeat Algeria 2–0 to reach the semi-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco. Osimhen scored the opening goal and provided an assist, earning Man-of-the-Match honours in a commanding Super Eagles performance. “I am happyContinue Reading

PANDEF calls for restraint, mutual forbearance in Rivers

By: Ndubisi Ijeoma

On: January 11, 2026

In: Politics

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Naomi Sharang The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has called for restraint and mutual forbearance over the recent political development in Rivers. The Forum has also set up a high level Reconciliation Committee chaired by Kanu Agabi (SAN), former Attorney-General of the Federation. This is contained in a press statementContinue Reading

Language barrier limits global reach of francophone music – Singuilar

By: Folashade Adeniran

On: January 11, 2026

In: Entertainment

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By Olawunmi Ashafa African singer, Singuilar, says language remains one of the biggest obstacles facing Francophone artistes seeking global recognition. He noted that English and Spanish dominate the international music market. Singuilar told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sidelines of the just-concluded Heirs of Greatness Day inContinue Reading

Military Pensions Board vows faster, transparent pension administration for retirees

By: isaac aregbesola

On: January 11, 2026

In: Defence/Security

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The Chairman, Military Pensions Board (MPB), AVM Mikail Abdulraheem, has pledged to fast-track pension administration, and strengthen transparency for military retirees to avoid delays in payment of their pensionsContinue Reading

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AFCON 2025: Indegenious coaches take centre stage as Africa’s finest battle for glory (Page 123)