News
CAF Unveils AFCON 2025 Official Match Ball “ITRI” Inspired By Moroccan Zellij Art
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially unveiled the match ball for the highly anticipated 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), set to be hosted by Morocco.
Named ITRI, the new ball is a masterpiece inspired by Morocco’s traditional zellij art, celebrated for its vibrant geometric mosaics and intricate craftsmanship. The design symbolizes unity, creativity, and the unbreakable passion that binds African football across the continent.
According to CAF, the name ITRI – which means star in Amazigh – pays homage to the star on the Moroccan flag and reflects the symbolic star patterns found in zellij artwork, merging cultural pride with football excellence.
Mohamed Ghonemi, CAF’s Creative Development Manager, emphasized the cultural and emotional depth behind the design:
“Created for the rhythm of African football, the AFCON 2025 ball brings together art, motion, and a design shaped by African spirit and Moroccan craftsmanship. It’s been a privilege to collaborate with PUMA on something that unites every nation at the tournament through a shared sense of connection.”
The ITRI ball, designed in partnership with PUMA, will make its grand debut in the tournament’s opening match between Morocco and Comoros on Sunday, 21 December 2025.
The AFCON 2025 finals will run from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026, promising a month of world-class football, cultural celebration, and African pride.
At Sports Market International, we celebrate the stories that connect art, culture, and sport across Africa — bringing you the latest updates from the best sports blog covering the global sports market.
Local News
Beckham Joins Bellingham & Trent to Unveil Retro Gunmetal Adidas Predator Mania
Beckham Links Up With The New Generation
Adidas just pulled off the ultimate fusion of eras — pairing Real Madrid legend David Beckham with modern-day stars Jude Bellingham and Trent Alexander-Arnold to unveil the new throwback Predator Mania Gunmetal.
The visual alone is powerful:
Beckham, the man who helped define the Predator legacy, standing alongside the players shaping a new generation at the Santiago Bernabéu.
It’s nostalgia meeting modern football culture in the cleanest way possible.
How Beckham & Zidane Made The Predator A Cultural Icon
In the 2000s, football boots had personalities — and none louder than the Predator.
Thanks to players like:
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David Beckham
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Zinedine Zidane
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Steven Gerrard
…the Predator brand became more than footwear — it became a symbol of confidence, control, and creativity.
Beckham’s signature whip-your-free-kick technique and the unforgettable fold-over tongue made Predator Mania one of the most legendary boots ever created.
And now in 2025, it’s back — reborn with purpose.
A Historic Gunmetal Colourway Returns
The 2025 Predator Mania comes in a stunning Gunmetal grey, blending early-2000s nostalgia with fresh modern flair.
Adidas describes it as:
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“Metallic, polished and aggressive”
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Featuring crisp white Three Stripes
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And the iconic red fold-over tongue — embroidered and unapologetically bold
Beckham famously wore this colourway during his early Real Madrid days.
It quickly became a cult favourite, often called “one of the most photogenic boots of its era.”
Now it’s back — and it looks better than ever.
Engineered For Today’s Game
While the look is faithful, adidas didn’t simply remake the past — they improved it.
The 2025 Predator Mania is crafted in the historic Scheinfeld factory in Germany, the birthplace of many legendary Predator lines.
Key enhancements include:
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Upgraded comfort
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Subtle structural refinement
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Increased responsiveness
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Modern fit for today’s style of play
In short:
Old-school swagger meets high-performance engineering.
Back On The Bernabéu Grass
The revival feels even more fitting because two current Real Madrid stars — Bellingham and Alexander-Arnold — will bring the Gunmetal Mania back to the Santiago Bernabéu pitch.
From Beckham’s free-kick artistry to Bellingham’s midfield dominance and Trent’s laser passing…
the Predator legacy remains in elite company.
Adidas couldn’t have scripted a better generational handover.
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News
Galatasaray Vs Samsunspor: Can Cimbom Break Samsunspor’s Unbeaten Run In A Heated Super Lig Clash?
AFCON 2025
Ben Iroha Says Super Eagles Squad Has Depth And Quality Ahead Of AFCON 2025
Former Super Eagles star Ben Iroha believes Nigeria has the depth, quality, and experience needed to compete for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title — as long as the right decisions are made.
Speaking from his base in Texas, the 1994 AFCON champion reacted to the 54-man provisional squad released by Head Coach Eric Sekou Chelle, describing it as a strong foundation for a title-winning team.
“The Talent And Quality Are There” — Iroha
Although he emphasized that the real test comes when the list is trimmed to 23 players, Iroha said the current roster reflects Nigeria’s impressive global football presence.
“Nigeria is very rich in talent production. Apart from one or two NPFL players, the rest are in top leagues across Europe. The talent, quality and experience are there,”
Iroha told Completesports.com.
He noted that the squad’s strength lies not just in big names, but in the blend of competition, versatility, and international exposure among the players.
Hard Work And Proper Planning Will Decide Everything
According to Iroha, Nigeria’s path to a fourth AFCON crown depends on more than raw ability.
He stressed the importance of:
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Hard work
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Organisation
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Tactical discipline
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Proper preparation
“With proper preparation and the right selection, this team has what it takes to deliver the AFCON title in Morocco.”
Iroha also acknowledged that Nigerian fans will accept nothing less than the trophy, especially after the disappointment of failing to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
He believes the renewed energy shown late in the qualifiers is a sign of what the team can achieve if they maintain — or surpass — that level at AFCON.
Nigeria Chasing A Fourth AFCON Title
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations kicks off on 21 December 2025 in Morocco, with the final set for 18 January 2026.
Nigeria’s three previous AFCON triumphs came in:
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1980
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1994
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2013
With expectations sky-high and a hungry squad available, Coach Eric Chelle will be aiming to write his name in history by guiding the Super Eagles to AFCON glory once again.
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