A somber cloud has descended over Morocco just days before the nation is set to host the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, following a devastating tragedy in one of the tournament's key host cities.
Building Collapse Claims Lives in Historic Fez
At least twenty-two people have been confirmed dead and sixteen others injured after two adjoining four-storey residential buildings collapsed in the historic city of Fez. The catastrophic incident occurred overnight between December 9 and 10, 2025, sending shockwaves through the community and the entire country.
Reports indicate that one of the collapsed structures was hosting an Aqiqah ceremony, a traditional Islamic celebration for a newborn, when it gave way. Among the deceased are four children, amplifying the heartbreak of the disaster. Emergency response teams worked tirelessly through the rubble in a desperate search and recovery operation, while authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the collapse.
AFCON Preparations Overshadowed by Grief
The timing of the tragedy has cast a profound shadow over the festive atmosphere that was building ahead of Africa's premier football tournament, AFCON 2025. Fez is a designated host city for the competition, with the Complexe Sportif de Fès stadium set to host multiple group-stage matches.
This disaster has also ignited urgent conversations about urban infrastructure safety, particularly in older, densely populated neighborhoods like those in Fez. Despite its rich cultural heritage, Fez is known to grapple with ageing buildings and infrastructure challenges, a concern now thrust into the harsh spotlight as the city prepares to welcome thousands of international football fans.
Super Eagles' Campaign Amidst Tragedy
The Nigerian national team, the Super Eagles, are directly impacted by the events in Fez. The team is scheduled to play all their Group C matches in the stricken city. According to the tournament schedule, Nigeria will face Tanzania on December 23, Tunisia on December 27, and Uganda on December 30, all at the Fez Stadium.
Head coach Eric Chelle has named a 28-man squad for the tournament, with star players Victor Osimhen and Moses Simon expected to join the camp in Fez following an international friendly against Egypt on December 16. The Super Eagles, runners-up in the last edition in Ivory Coast, will be aiming to win their fourth AFCON title under these solemn circumstances.
In other AFCON news, analytics firm Opta has released its supercomputer predictions, naming host nation Morocco as the top favourite to win with a 19.1% chance, led by African Footballer of the Year Achraf Hakimi. However, the nation's focus has now sharply shifted from football glory to mourning and addressing public safety, presenting a significant challenge for authorities managing the dual crises.
