Article by Adelani Ogunrinade
As the Euros unfold with a plethora of players of African descent, hot-blooded clashes for World Cup spots intensified in their countries of origin. Here are just a few memorable moments that happened in African football in the month of June:
2026 World Cup qualifiers & the chaos of Nigerian football
The African World Cup qualifiers was a boiling pot of tension and shock results as teams like Sudan, Rwanda & Comoros exceeded expectations by topping their groups after four match days. Egypt, Morocco, Algeria & Tunisia all continued the resurgence of North Africa at the top terraces of Groups A, E, G & H respectively, while the Super Eagles of Nigeria flirted with the potential nightmare of failing to live the ‘American Dream’. An unexpected 2-1 loss to Benin sent the Afcon finalists disgracefully sliding down the Group C table as fuming fans called for the immediate sack of coach Finidi George.
The hot seat vacated by Jose Peseiro was clearly too hot for the Ajax legend who resigned after just 47 days. Following his early resignation, Napoli striker, Victor Osimhen launched a scathing attack on social media, addressing rumours allegedly fabricated by Finidi. The 2023 CAF Player of the year was visibly exasperated by accusations that he faked an injury to skip his national team duties.
Nigeria’s football federation is undoubtedly under enormous pressure to resolve its internal conflicts before crucial world cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe in March 2025.
Orlando Pirates PSL Awards dominance & the Invincible Raja Casablanca
Signs of turmoil in the Super Eagles camp was the lucky draw with Bafana Bafana in front of their intimidating home crowd of supporters who filled up every seat at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo. This result was also evidence of resilience and the significant strides South-African football has made in recent years. The local PSL league is fast evolving and teams like Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns are producing promising talents that have formed the backbone of Hugo Broos’s ever-improving side.
After defending their MTN8 crown, a second place finish in the PSL and winning the Nedbank Cup, the Buccaneers of Orlando, Soweto appeared likely to shine at the glitzy PSL Awards. Rising stars like Relebohile Mofokeng was honoured for his relentless attempts to sculpt the future of his nation’s football; delivering prowess beyond his years in the process. The Sea Robbers were the big winners at the glamourous awards ceremony after Thabiso Lebitso, Patrick Maswanganyi and Sipho Chaine all scooped up individual accolades in 8 different categories. The PSL Footballer of the season was thrusted in the safe hands of Masandawana shot stopper, Ronwen Williams who kept an impressive 15 clean sheets in the recently concluded PSL season.
Unlike Mamelodi Sundowns, Raja Casablanca completed their mission of finishing their title winning season unbeaten. Under the masterful guidance of Josef Zinnbauer, the Green Eagles became the first-ever Botola Pro League champions to bask in the glow of invincibility. This remarkable achievement echoed the legendary 2003-04 season of one of England’s most loved clubs, Arsenal. The city of Casablanca erupted in explosive elation as Raja fans waved their flags and released colourful fireworks into the Moroccan sky.
What an unforgettable experience of African football. Hopefully July has more of such glorious moments in store…