Day 16 (Friday, 2 January, 2026)
I PROMISED yesterday to publish in today’s diary, a second part of my “Sights and Sounds of Fez” with a focus on the ‘New Fez’. But first, let’s quickly dispense with some news from the football scene and the Super Eagles camp, courtesy of Mr.ChefNigeria, Official Sponsors of Nigeria’s national teams.
CAF Group Stage Best XI: Lookman Flies Nigeria’s Flag
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) released a “Group Stage Best XI” of players deemed to have shone brightest in the first round of matches in all the six groups of AFCON 2025 put together. Ademola “Dangerous” Lookman emerged as Nigeria’s flag bearer in the star-studded team, following his two goals and two assists so far in the tournament. I wasn’t surprised. Aside from his goals contributions, I wrote in a previous diary that Lookman is the man to watch in Nigeria’s squad and gave him the nickname “Dangerous.” Hopefully, there’s more to come from him.
Other members of the CAF Group Stage Best XI include Senegal’s Sadio Mane, Morocco’s Brahim Diaz, Amad Diallo of Côte d’Ivoire and Riyad Mahrez of Algeria.
Chelle Named CAF Best XI Coach As Eagles Impress
Most heart-warming for me, however, was the selection of Nigeria’s coach Eric Chelle as coach for the CAF Best XI. Obviously, CAF has been impressed by the high technical level demonstrated by Nigeria in this tournament so far, and the credit for that goes to Chelle. Let’s hope it’s a sign of greater things to come. Yes, the AFCON 2025 trophy on my mind.
Injury Concerns In Super Eagles Camp Ahead Of Mozambique Clash
News from inside the Super Eagles camp on New Year’s Day wasn’t very pleasant, however. Reserve striker Cyriel Kolawole Dessers has been ruled out of the tournament and he has returned to his club side, Panathinaikos FC of Greece, following his failure to recover from a thigh injury.
Also Read: AFCON 2025 Diary Day 15: Sights, Sounds & Stories From Fez As Super Eagles Go Behind Closed Doors
New boy Ryan Alebiosu (Blackburn Rovers, England) who got injured in Nigeria’s match against Uganda was at Friday’s training session, but couldn’t participate because he has not made a full recovery. Another new boy, Tochukwu Nnadi (Zulte Waregem, Belgium) also sat out the training because he was down with a cold. But Coach Eric Chelle remained upbeat, charging the other players to remain focused on their first knockout game against Mozambique on Monday.
Prayers In Old Fez And A Chance Encounter With Nigerian Students
Let me add quickly that I was finally able to say my weekly Muslim congregational prayer (Jummat) at the famous Qarawiyyun Mosque and University in Old Fez this Friday after missing out last week Friday. A pleasant surprise awaited me as I came across three Nigerian students who are studying here at the world’s first ever University. Fascinating story, isn’t it? Be on the lookout for it.
Also Read: AFCON 2025 Diary Day 14: Mozambique Await Super Eagles As Knockout Drama Takes Shape
I also unearthed additional information that intrigue tourists from around the world who flock to this historic institution lo (established 859 AD remarkably by a woman) virtually all year round. I will tell you more about my encounter with the Nigerian students and the current Chief Imam of the Qarawiyyun Mosque in another installment of my diary.
Sights And Sounds Of The New
For now, let’s take a look at the Sights and Sounds of the New Fez that I promised yesterday, courtesy of Mr.ChefNigeria, Official Sponsors of the Super Eagles……
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Aside from my Daily Dairy, I have been uploading some videos on social media since the start of the AFCON 2025. Please subscribe and watch on the following channels and/or handles……
• YouTube: @mrchefnigeria6045; @OfficialMuminiAlao
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By Mumini Alao, in Fez
Photos by Ganiyu Yusuf
