Former Netherlands internationals Ronald de Boer and Wesley Sneijder have voiced their frustration with former Liverpool star Jordan Henderson, slamming him for refusing to face the media amid reports suggesting he wants to leave Ajax.

Both ex-footballers believe Henderson’s refusal to wear the armband and speak to the press is causing more unrest within the club.

Sneijder, speaking to the press after Ajax’s 2-1 victory over Galatasaray in the UEFA Europa League, called out the English midfielder, stating he was “not man enough” to address the media.

“Don’t be so difficult, man. You play the match, you have the armband on and after the match, you say: ‘Yeah, guys, I don’t know yet. Something is going on. We’ll see.’ Be a man and stand your ground. Right now you get speculation and you create a lot of unrest,” Sneijder said.

De Boer also criticized Henderson, saying, “This is complete nonsense. Henderson wanted to focus on the match, but he did not have to appear in front of the camera before the match. I understand that Pasveer has to do this, but it is simply nonsense. Henderson simply has other things on his mind and apparently does not want to respond to it.”

Recent reports suggest that Henderson is pushing for a move away from Ajax this month, even threatening to go on strike.

Former Super Eagles captain, Joseph Yobo, has emphasized the importance of a strong start for the team at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Yobo, who led Nigeria to AFCON glory in 2013, believes that a good beginning will be key to the team’s success in the competition.

The three-time African champions have been placed in Group C alongside Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania.

“A good start is very important. The first two games are very important. It is very, very crucial,” Yobo told ESPN.

The Super Eagles will kick off their campaign against Tanzania’s Taifa Stars in Fez on Tuesday, December 23, before facing Tunisia in their second group match four days later. They will conclude their group stage against Uganda on Tuesday, December 30.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has released the complete match schedule for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, with games set to be held across nine venues in six cities.

The tournament kicks off on Sunday, December 21, with hosts Morocco facing Comoros at the newly-built 69,500-seater Complexe Sportif Prince Moulay Abdellah in Rabat.

Rabat will host matches at four venues, while Casablanca, Agadir, Marrakech, Fes, and Tangier will each feature one venue.

Key knockout fixtures include quarter-final clashes at Rabat, Tangier, Marrakech, and Agadir, while the semi-finals will take place in Rabat and Tangier. Casablanca’s Stade Mohammed V will host the third-place playoff.

A total of 52 matches are scheduled for the biennial tournament.

Defending champions Cote d’Ivoire will look to retain their title as Africa’s top football nation.