Nigeria, Jan. 5 -- African football added a new footnote to its long history at the weekend in Tangier, and Nigeria's influence once again formed part of the wider context.

At the Tangier Grand Stadium, Senegal secured a 3-1 comeback victory over Sudan to book a place in the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. While the result confirmed Senegal's progress, it was an individual moment late in the game that carried broader historical significance.

Sudan had taken an early lead through Aamir Abdallah, briefly unsettling the defending champions.

Senegal responded with patience and control, led by Pape Gueye, whose two goals turned the match around and restored order. The contest was effectively settled in the 77th minute when...