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South Africa’s Minister of Sports, Arts & Culture Gayton McKenzie has claimed that Sunday night’s announcement that South Africa would replace Morocco as the hosts of this year’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) was premature, ESPN reports.

Deputy Minister Peace Mabe’s comments — currently still unverified by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) — were made at Sunday’s awards ceremony for the HollywoodBets Super League, which is the top tier of South African women’s football.

"We took an opportunity that presented itself because we feel we have the necessary infrastructure and support [to host] the WAFCON. When Morocco said: ‘We are not able to host,’ South Africa said: ‘Yes. We are available. We are going to take it,'” Mabe told SABC Sport.

“It cannot be debatable because we have just hosted a successful G20 [summit in November] where heads of states – of different countries – were here. It tells you that in terms of hospitality, we are ready as well.

“We have the necessary infrastructure when it comes to stadiums. We have hosted the [2010 men’s] soccer World Cup before, so we are ready – we can host it.”

Confirmation of Morocco’s withdrawal as hosts and updated timelines for the tournament have yet to be issued by CAF, but Mabe suggested that little diversion would be required from the original plan for the WAFCON to be held from March 17 – April 3.

“Given the fact that it is in 60 days as well, we are not very much worried. We just have to put systems in place. From tomorrow (Monday, Feb. 2), we will begin.”

However, McKenzie responded hours after Mabe’s announcement with a statement contradicting hers, and claiming that discussions over WAFCON 2026 were still at an early stage, with no official confirmation of hosting rights.

“As the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, I wish to provide clarity following remarks made by the Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture at the Hollywoodbets Super League Awards regarding the 2026 TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON),” McKenzie said.

“South Africa has expressed its willingness to support the Confederation of African Football if required, should alternative hosting arrangements for the 2026 WAFCON become necessary.

“These engagements form part of ongoing discussions initiated by CAF as it considers various contingencies in line with the confederation’s responsible stewardship of the continental game.

“At this stage, no formal decision has been taken to relocate the tournament, and Morocco remains the officially designated host of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. CAF has not yet triggered any alternative hosting process.

“Any potential hosting of the tournament by South Africa would be subject to established government and football governance processes, in partnership with the South African Football Association (SAFA) and other stakeholders, including:

Formal confirmation from CAF that alternative hosting arrangements are required;

Approval through the relevant Cabinet processes

Confirmation of host cities, stadium availability, accommodation and transport capacity; and

The conclusion of the necessary government guarantees and operational agreements.

“The remarks made by the Deputy Minister reflect government’s longstanding engagement on supporting African football and South Africa’s confidence in its proven ability to host major international sporting events. They do not constitute a formal confirmation or assumption of hosting responsibilities.

“The Department, with SAFA and stakeholders, will continue to engage with CAF in a structured and responsible manner. Any further announcements will be made only once all required processes have been concluded and formal decisions taken.

“The Ministry of Sport, Arts and Culture will continue to pursue a long-term strategy of hosting major sporting events to boost sport, tourism, economic growth and the image of the country on the world stage.”

:https://www.completesports.com/south-africa-not-confirmed-as-new-wafcon-hosts-sports-minister-clarifies/

Fenerbahce are pushing to sign Ademola Lookman before the end of the current transfer window, reports Completesports.com.

Director of sport Devin Ozek is said to be in Italy for negotiations.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/fenerbahce-push-to-sign-lookman-from-atalanta/

Manchester City head coach Pep Guardiola has described Super Eagles and Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen as a top-class player.

Guardiola said this in his pre-match press conference ahead of City’s final game of the league phase of the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday night at the Etihad.


Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/osimhen-is-top-class-guardiola/

Nigeria youngster Peter Onuoha has sealed a one-and-a-half-year deal with Cyprus club Gonyeli SK, a AKSA Super Lig (First Division) side in North Cyprus, Completesports.com reports.

The 20-year-old forward was on the payroll of Kun Khalifat FC, Owerri, in the ongoing 2025/2026 campaign, having joined the club from Remo Stars at the close of the 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/kun-khalifat-forward-onuoha-seals-north-cyprus-move-with-gonyeli-sk/

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has opened up on why his side lost to Manchester United at the Emirates on Sunday.

The Gunners saw their lead at the top of the league table cut to four points, after losing 3-2 to visiting Manchester United.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/why-we-lost-to-man-united-arsenal-captain-odegaard/

Arsenal star Ethan Nwaneri has disclosed that William Saliba convinced him to join Ligue 1 side Marseille.

Recall that Nwaneri has struggled to nail down regular minutes for the high-flying Gunners this season, failing to make a single league start under Mikel Arteta in the first half of the campaign.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/saliba-convinced-me-to-join-marseille-nwaneri/

Atalanta head coach Raffaele Palladino has said he is delighted to have Ademola Lookman back in training ahead of schedule after the Africa Cup of Nations, reports Completesports.com.

Lookman trained with his La Dea teammates on Tuesday ahead of their UEFA Champions League clash with Athletico Bilbao.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/ucl-atalanta-boss-lauds-lookmans-early-return-from-afcon-duty/

France and Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has explained why the Africa Cup of Nations is one tournament he will always watch.

Speaking on CBS Sports Golazo, the 1998 World Cup winner, revealed that his interest in the AFCON started at the 1988 edition hosted by Morocco.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/why-i-will-always-watch-the-afcon-thierry-henry/

Sheffield United are the latest club to be linked with Brentford midfielder Frank Onyeka, reports Completesports.com.

Onyeka could leave Brentford this month in search of more regular playing time.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/sheffield-united-prepare-bid-for-onyeka/

Former Ivory Coast international Yaya Touré has rated the Super Eagles as the most impressive team at the just-concluded 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Recall that the three-time AFCON winner finished third at the tournament after defeating Egypt in the third-place via penalty shootout.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/yaya-toure-super-eagles-are-the-most-impressive-team-at-afcon-2025/

Besiktas have confirmed Wilfred Ndidi sustained a hamstring injury in Nigeria’s quarter-final encounter against Algeria at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Ndidi was replaced in the 70th minute of the game

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/besiktas-provide-injury-update-on-ndidi/

Afrobeats singer Seun Kuti has appealed to Nigerians to stop criticizing Super Eagles winger Samuel Chukwueze after his penalty miss against Morocco in the semi-final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Recall that Nigeria missed out on a place in the final on Wednesday after losing 4-2 on penalties to hosts Morocco.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/afcon-2025-leave-chukwueze-alone-seun-kuti-speaks-after-fulham-stars-penalty-miss/

Ahead of the expiration of the Nike kits
sponsorship contract with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), renowned kit manufacturing giants Adidas and Puma have made strong overtures for a kit sponsorship deal with the Federation, Completesports.com reports.

Completesports.com gathered that the two European brands have been impressed by the Super Eagles’ scintillating performances at the ongoing AFCON 2025 in Morocco.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/super-eagles-afcon-2025-brilliance-attracts-adidas-puma-as-nike-deal-nears-expiry/

Former Chippa United head coach Luc Eymael has backed hosts Morocco to beat the Super Eagles in the semi-final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

The two countries will clash at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on Wednesday.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/afcon-2025-former-chippa-united-coach-backs-morocco-to-beat-super-eagles/

Lennart Karl’s agent, Michael Ballack, has debunked reports claiming that the youngster is dreaming of a big move to Real Madrid.

Karl, 17, has been a revelation since breaking into the Bayern Munich first team this season, scoring six goals and providing two assists in 23 games.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/bayern-munich-remain-karls-dream-club-ballack/

Lennart Karl’s agent, Michael Ballack, has debunked reports claiming that the youngster is dreaming of a big move to Real Madrid.

Karl, 17, has been a revelation since breaking into the Bayern Munich first team this season, scoring six goals and providing two assists in 23 games.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/bayern-munich-remain-karls-dream-club-ballack/

Ryan Alebiosu is back in training with the Super Eagles after his short injury layoff, reports Completesports.com.

Alebiosu sustained the injury during Nigeria’s last group game against the Cranes of Uganda.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/afcon-2025-alebiosu-returns-to-super-eagles-training/

Former Nigerian international Mikel Obi has disclosed that the Algerians will be aggressive against the Super Eagles ahead of Saturday’s quarter-finals clash in the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Speaking via The Obi One podcast, the 2013 AFCON winner stated that Algeria have very good players that will make the encounter with Nigeria very difficult

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/afcon-2025-algeria-are-very-aggressive-mikel-tells-super-eagles/

Mr Chef AFCON Match
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed that the draw for the 2026 CAF Futsal Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifications will take place in Rabat, Morocco, today.

The qualifiers will be played over two home-and-away knockout rounds, with seven teams qualifying for the CAF Futsal Africa Cup of Nations 2026 final tournament, joining the host nation, Morocco, at the continental showpiece.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/morocco-to-host-draw-for-2026-caf-futsal-afcon-qualifiers/

Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice says he’s confident Viktor Gyokeres will prove his worth at the club.

Gyokeres, who Arsenal brought in from Sporting CP during the summer for £64million, has managed just five goals in the top flight this season.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/rice-gyokeres-proving-his-worth-at-arsenal/

Serie A club Pisa have agreed a deal €9m deal to sign to Viktoria Plzen striker Rafiu Durosinmi, reports Completesports.com.

Durosinmi has interest from few other clubs including West Ham United, Benfica and VfB Stuttgart, but has opted to join the Serie A strugglers.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/nigerian-striker-set-to-join-serie-a-club-pisa/

Benin Republic head coach Gernot Rohr is looking forward to a difficult duel against the Pharaohs of Egypt, reports Completesports.com.

The Cheetahs will take on Hossam Hassan’s men in a Round of 16 fixture at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations next week Monday.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/afcon-2025-rohr-warns-egypt-against-underrating-benin-republic/

Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Stanley Nwabali, and Semi Ajayi are in danger of being banned for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Round of 16, reports Completesports.com.

The quartet are a booking away from suspension going into tonight’s clash with the Cranes of Uganda.

Read More:https://www.completesports.com/afcon-2025-osimhen-lookman-nwabali-risk-ban/

Morocco star Achraf Hakimi has disclosed that Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe loves the country.

The Real Madrid attacker travelled to the Moroccan capital to support Achraf Hakimi, his close friend and former Paris Saint-Germain teammate, during the Atlas Lions’ Group A meeting with Mali on Friday in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/afcon-2025-mbappe-really-loves-morocco-hakimi/

Mali’s Boubou Traore will be at the centre when Nigeria’e Super Eagles take on the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia in their Group C encounter at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, reports Completesports.com.

Saturday’s encounter will hold at the Complexe Sportif de Fès.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/afcon-2025-caf-appoints-malian-referee-for-super-eagles-vs-tunisia/

The English Premier League has praised Alex Iwobi for his impressive performance in Nigeria’s Super Eagles’ win against Tanzania, in their AFCON 2025 Group C opening match on Tuesday.

Iwobi was in superb form as his side’s two goals scored by Semi Ajayi and Ademola Lookman.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/2025-afcon-premier-league-celebrates-iwobis-performance-in-super-eagles-win-vs-tanzania/

Alex Iwobi had said he and his Super Eagles teammates are working really hard and hopefully it will pay off when they face their Group C opponents.

On Monday the Super Eagles continued their preparation ahead of their opener against Tanzania today (Tuesday)

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/afcon-2025-iwobi-talks-up-super-eagles-preparation-ahead-tanzania-is-clash/

Super Eagles defender Chidozie Awaziem has expressed his desire to play in any position for the team at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Awaziem, who scored a goal in Nigeria’s 2-1 loss to Egypt in a friendly match last week, stated this in an interview with Elegbete TV.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/afcon-2025-im-ready-to-play-in-any-position-to-help-eagles-awaziem/

Super Eagles winger Ademola Lookman has disclosed that the team is ready to bring the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations back home.

The Atalanta star made this known on the backdrop of Nigeria’s inability to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, where the team lost on penalty shootouts to DR Congo in the final playoffs in Rabat, Morocco.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/lookman-bringing-afcon-2025-glory-back-home-remains-eagles-priority/

Uganda striker Melvyn Lorenzen has warned that the team will pose a big threat to their Group C opponents in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Recall that Uganda have been drawn alongside Nigeria’s Super Eagles, Tunisia, and Tanzania for the tournament.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/afcon-2025-uganda-will-be-difficult-to-beat-lorenzen-warns-eagles-others/

Chigozie Agbim, a former Super Eagles goalkeeper, has exclusively told Completesports.com that Nigeria’s senior national team are in good stead to challenge for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title, urging Nigerians to rally firmly behind the team as they chase continental glory in Morocco.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/exclusive-super-eagles-can-win-afcon-2025-title-in-morocco-agbim/

Former Nigerian international Mikel Obi has opened up on how he contacted office of late President Muhammadu Buhari over the Super Eagles’ unpaid bonuses for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

Speaking on The Obi One Podcast, Mikel said players were owed qualification bonuses for months, despite repeated assurances from officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) that the money would be paid once the team arrived in camp.

Read Also:https://www.completesports.com/mikel-how-i-contacted-buhari-over-super-eagles-unpaid-2018-bonuses/