Côte d’Ivoire has been confirmed as the new host for the 2025 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations.

Originally set to take place in South Africa, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced the change following its executive committee meeting in Marrakech, Morocco.

The tournament is scheduled for March 2025 and will feature top teams from across the continent, including Nigeria’s Flying Eagles.

In addition to competing for continental glory, the semi-finalists at the U-20 AFCON will secure spots at the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup, which will be hosted by Chile.

Chelsea announced on Tuesday that they had been notified by the Football Association (FA) of an “adverse finding” in a urine sample provided by Ukrainian forward Mykhailo Mudryk.

The Premier League club emphasized that the 23-year-old has "never knowingly" used banned substances, with Mudryk himself expressing his shock at the result.

A statement from Chelsea read: “Chelsea Football Club can confirm that the Football Association recently contacted our player, Mykhailo Mudryk, regarding an adverse finding in a routine urine test. Both the club and Mykhailo fully support the FA’s testing program, and all players, including Mykhailo, are regularly tested.

“Mykhailo has categorically stated that he has never knowingly used any banned substances. Both he and the Club are now working with the relevant authorities to determine the cause of the adverse finding.”

Mudryk also shared a statement on Instagram, acknowledging the situation: “I have been notified that a sample I provided to the FA contained a banned substance. This has come as a complete shock, as I have never knowingly used any banned substances or broken any rules. I am working closely with my team to investigate how this could have happened.

“I know I haven’t done anything wrong and remain hopeful I will be back on the pitch soon. I cannot say more at this stage due to the confidentiality of the process, but I will share more information when I can.”

The investigation is ongoing as Mudryk and Chelsea collaborate with authorities to resolve the matter.

 

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by МM (@mmudryk10)

The Super Falcons’ star goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie, has been named the CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year for 2024, marking her second consecutive win.

The award was presented during the CAF Awards ceremony held in Marrakech, Morocco. Nnadozie, who also plays for Paris FC in France, outshone tough competition from Morocco’s Sanaa Mssoudy and Zambia’s Babra Banda to claim the prestigious honor.

Renowned for her outstanding performances both with Nigeria’s national team and her club, Nnadozie has continued to set the standard in women’s football with her exceptional skills and consistency.

In her acceptance speech, the talented shot-stopper expressed her gratitude, dedicating the award to her coaches and teammates from both the Super Falcons and Paris FC.

Nnadozie’s triumph serves as a testament to her hard work and dedication, solidifying her place as one of the finest goalkeepers in women’s football today.

Ademola Lookman, the newly crowned African Player of the Year, has described being recognized as the continent’s best player as an “incredible” honor. The Super Eagles and Atalanta forward shared his emotions during his acceptance speech at the prestigious CAF Awards ceremony held in Marrakech, Morocco, on Monday.

“This award today is a blessing to me, to my family, to my nation, and to be recognised as the best player in Africa is something incredible, and I am extremely proud of,” Lookman said.

Reflecting on his journey, Lookman, now 27, offered words of encouragement to young people, drawing from his own struggles as a footballer four years ago. He urged them not to let setbacks define their future.

“Just over four years ago, I failed in front of the world. Fast forward to four years later, I am the best player in Africa,” he recounted. “I want to say to the young children and young people watching this: ‘Don’t let your failures weigh you down to the point they break your wings. Turn your pain into power, continue to fight, and continue to fly. God bless!’”

Lookman’s remarkable achievement came after he triumphed over fierce competition from South Africa’s Ronwen Williams, Côte d’Ivoire’s Simon Adingra, Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi, and Guinea’s Serhou Guirassy to clinch the coveted award.

The Nigerian forward played a pivotal role in Atalanta’s historic triumph last season, helping the Italian club secure its first-ever European trophy. His standout performance included a hat-trick in the Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen.

On the international stage, Lookman was equally influential, leading the Super Eagles to the final of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) earlier this year in Côte d’Ivoire.

Ademola Lookman’s story is a testament to perseverance and determination, inspiring millions across the continent and beyond.

Read Also: CAF Awards 2024: Ademola Leads Nigeria’s Quest for Glory