Former Super Eagles stars Sunday Oliseh, Daniel Amokachi and Odion Ighalo have praised Sadio Mane for his key role in calming chaos during the ill tempered AFCON 2025 final between Senegal and hosts Morocco. They said his actions on the night helped save the image of African football.
The match in Rabat almost broke down when several Senegal players, encouraged by coach Pape Thiaw, walked off in protest after VAR awarded Morocco a late penalty for a tug on Brahim Diaz’s shoulder. The game was halted for about 15 minutes before Mane persuaded his teammates to return to the pitch.
Diaz later missed the penalty and Pape Gueye scored in extra time to seal Senegal’s second AFCON title. Many observers still described Mane, a former Liverpool and Bayern Munich star, as the true hero of the night for putting the spirit of the game above emotion.
On SuperSport, Ighalo said Mane “saved the face of African football” by leading his teammates back to continue the match. He added that Mane fully deserved both the Player of the Tournament award and the captain’s armband.
Oliseh, a member of IFAB who worked as a co commentator for the game, strongly condemned Senegal’s walk off while praising Mane’s calm leadership. He said Mane’s intelligence and composure showed why he is loved worldwide and should be seen as a model for young players.
Oliseh reminded viewers that referees’ decisions, including penalties, must be respected even when teams disagree. He stressed that football’s laws require players to stay on the pitch and allow the game to run its course.
Amokachi told BBC World Service that Mane went the extra mile to get his teammates back and called him a great ambassador for football. He said Mane understands what the sport represents both on and off the field.
Former Morocco international Hassan Kachloul said African and world football were “losing” until Mane intervened. He highlighted the fact that Mane was the only Senegal player who returned from the dressing room to fetch his teammates and bring them back.
Speaking to the BBC, Mane explained that he acted because the world was watching and football must project a positive image. He said it would have been “crazy” and damaging for African football if Senegal had refused to play on because of a penalty decision.
Mane added that he would rather lose a match than allow such a protest to stain the game. He admitted that the long stoppage was wrong but said the important thing is that Senegal returned, finished the match and accepted whatever outcome followed.
About the author
Onscreen kissing is weird, unpleasant – Saga Adeoluwa
Nollywood actor and reality TV star Saga Adeoluwa says onscreen kissing is weird and unpleasant and that many viewers are wrong to think actors enjoy it. He says most performers only do such scenes because they are required to tell the story properly, not because they find them exciting. Saga explains that kissing on set is uncomfortable because there is no real intimacy and the exchange of saliva makes it awkward. He adds that the presence of cameras, crew and other actors watching also makes the experience far from romantic. Despite appearing in several romantic movies, Saga says he cannot remember a single onscreen kiss he truly enjoyed. For him, intimate scenes are some of the most challenging parts of acting in love stories. He notes that before shooting any kissing scene, he tries to have a clear discussion with […]
Onscreen kissing is weird, unpleasant – Actor Saga Adeoluwa
Nollywood actor and reality TV star Saga Adeoluwa says actors do not enjoy onscreen kissing and that the experience is often weird and unpleasant. He said many viewers wrongly assume performers like such scenes, but most are only doing them to tell the story well. Saga explained that kissing another actor on set is uncomfortable, mainly because of the exchange of saliva and the lack of real intimacy behind the act. He said it feels strange to have someone invade your mouth while cameras and crew members are watching. He revealed that despite appearing in several romantic films, he has never had a truly pleasant onscreen kiss. According to him, kissing scenes are one of the most challenging parts of acting in love stories. Saga added that before any kissing scene, he usually talks with his co star to set […]
PSG edge Bayern in nine goal Champions League semi final classic
Paris Saint Germain took a narrow lead in their Champions League semi final after beating Bayern Munich 5 4 in a wild first leg at the Parc des Princes. The nine goal thriller was the highest scoring semi final in the history of the competition. Bayern struck first when Harry Kane converted a penalty in the 17th minute. PSG hit back through a brilliant Khvicha Kvaratskhelia strike and a Joao Neves header to lead 2 1, before Michael Olise levelled again for the German side. In first half stoppage time, Ousmane Dembele restored PSG’s advantage from the penalty spot after a handball decision against Alphonso Davies that Bayern strongly protested. That made it 3 2 at the break in a breathless opening 45 minutes. PSG then appeared to take full control early in the second half. Kvaratskhelia and Dembele each […]
I can score against any team, says Osimhen
Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen says he believes he can score against any team in the world and that finding the net is a job he does very well. He spoke after his decisive performance for Galatasaray in the heated Istanbul derby against Fenerbahce. Osimhen recently returned from a fractured arm but still managed to score the opening goal in Galatasaray’s 3 0 win over their rivals. He finished calmly from a Mario Lemina pass, underlining his reputation as one of Europe’s most dangerous forwards. The 2023 CAF Player of the Year said his confidence comes from hard work and belief in his own ability. He stressed that as a striker he is expected to deliver in big games and that he embraces that responsibility. Osimhen added that while he is proud of his goals, the most important thing is […]
World Cup gets cash boost as FIFA plans tough red card rules
FIFA has approved a major increase in World Cup cash distributions while also backing tougher red card rules ahead of this year’s tournament. The decisions were taken at a meeting of the FIFA Council in Vancouver, held before the organisation’s annual congress. Under the new plan, total World Cup payments to participating teams will rise to nearly 900 million dollars, covering prize money, preparation funds and club compensation. The four year World Cup cycle is projected to generate around 13 billion dollars for FIFA, allowing it to boost support to national associations. Prize money for the 2026 World Cup had already been set at about 655 million dollars, around 50 percent higher than at the 2022 tournament in Qatar. The champions are due to earn 50 million dollars, with 33 million dollars for the runners up and 9 million dollars […]
Xenophobia: NANS tells FG to protect Nigerian students in South Africa
The National Association of Nigerian Students has called on the Federal Government to urgently protect Nigerian students studying in South Africa amid renewed fears of xenophobic attacks. The students’ body said reports from South Africa show growing hostility towards foreigners, including Nigerians, and warned that the situation could escalate if not addressed quickly. NANS leaders urged the government to engage directly with South African authorities through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Nigeria’s High Commission in Pretoria. They said diplomatic pressure and clear agreements on the safety of Nigerians are necessary to prevent further attacks and harassment. The association also asked the Federal Government to issue a strong public statement condemning xenophobic violence and reassuring Nigerian students and their families that their safety is a priority. It noted that many students and parents are living in fear as disturbing videos […]
Related
PSG edge Bayern in nine goal Champions League semi final classic
Paris Saint Germain took a narrow lead in their Champions League semi final after beating Bayern Munich 5 4 in a wild first leg at the Parc des Princes. The nine goal thriller was the highest scoring semi final in the history of the competition. Bayern struck first when Harry Kane converted a penalty in the 17th minute. PSG hit back through a brilliant Khvicha Kvaratskhelia strike and a Joao Neves header to lead 2 1, before Michael Olise levelled again for the German side. In first half stoppage time, Ousmane Dembele restored PSG’s advantage from the penalty spot after a handball decision against Alphonso Davies that Bayern strongly protested. That made it 3 2 at the break in a breathless opening 45 minutes. PSG then appeared to take full control early in the second half. Kvaratskhelia and Dembele each […]
I can score against any team, says Osimhen
Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen says he believes he can score against any team in the world and that finding the net is a job he does very well. He spoke after his decisive performance for Galatasaray in the heated Istanbul derby against Fenerbahce. Osimhen recently returned from a fractured arm but still managed to score the opening goal in Galatasaray’s 3 0 win over their rivals. He finished calmly from a Mario Lemina pass, underlining his reputation as one of Europe’s most dangerous forwards. The 2023 CAF Player of the Year said his confidence comes from hard work and belief in his own ability. He stressed that as a striker he is expected to deliver in big games and that he embraces that responsibility. Osimhen added that while he is proud of his goals, the most important thing is […]
World Cup gets cash boost as FIFA plans tough red card rules
FIFA has approved a major increase in World Cup cash distributions while also backing tougher red card rules ahead of this year’s tournament. The decisions were taken at a meeting of the FIFA Council in Vancouver, held before the organisation’s annual congress. Under the new plan, total World Cup payments to participating teams will rise to nearly 900 million dollars, covering prize money, preparation funds and club compensation. The four year World Cup cycle is projected to generate around 13 billion dollars for FIFA, allowing it to boost support to national associations. Prize money for the 2026 World Cup had already been set at about 655 million dollars, around 50 percent higher than at the 2022 tournament in Qatar. The champions are due to earn 50 million dollars, with 33 million dollars for the runners up and 9 million dollars […]
Fernandez crowned Rangers’ best after stunning debut season
Recently capped Super Eagles defender Emmanuel Fernandez has crowned a brilliant first season at Glasgow Rangers by being named the club’s Men’s Player of the Year. The Nigerian centre back received the award at the club’s 2026 Player of the Year ceremony in Glasgow on Sunday night. Fernandez joined Rangers last summer and quickly became a key figure in the team’s defence. He has made more than 30 appearances in all competitions, scoring crucial goals and helping the side keep numerous clean sheets in the Scottish Premiership. Rangers fans voted him their standout performer of the 2025/2026 campaign, praising his composure, strength and leadership at the back. His performances also earned him a place in the Scottish Premiership Team of the Season, a recognition he admitted came as a pleasant surprise. The 23 year old defender made his debut for […]
Fit again Lookman eager to face ‘special’ Arsenal in UCL
Ademola Lookman has declared himself fit and ready to face Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League semi final first leg at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano tomorrow. The Atletico Madrid forward missed the club’s last two La Liga matches after suffering an abductor complaint in the Copa del Rey final. Lookman returned to full training with his teammates on Monday, easing fears that he could miss the crucial clash against the Premier League side. He said he feels much better and is focused on helping Atletico reach the Champions League final. The Nigeria international described Arsenal as a “special” team and admitted the tie carries extra emotion for him because of his London roots. He grew up in the city and began his professional career there, making the semi final a meeting of his past and present. Lookman has made a […]
Simeone says Atletico chasing redemption against Arsenal
Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone says his team are chasing redemption when they face Arsenal in the first leg of their Champions League semi final on Wednesday. Atletico recently suffered a painful defeat in the Copa del Rey final and are under pressure to deliver a major trophy for their fans. The Spanish side will host Arsenal at the Civitas Metropolitano, where Simeone wants his players to draw strength from the atmosphere and show courage and character. He said the club owes its supporters a big European night after tens of thousands of them travelled to Seville for the cup final only to return home disappointed. Simeone admitted that Atletico have experienced many painful near misses in recent years, including Champions League final defeats in 2014 and 2016. He believes this semi final offers another chance for the team to […]