The wait is almost over for Africa's biggest football festival. The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is set to light up the continent from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, with Morocco playing host for the first time in 37 years. For Nigerian fans, this tournament carries the weight of expectation and a burning desire for redemption after the heartbreak of missing the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Morocco's Grand Stage: Host Cities and Tournament Format
After a rigorous bidding process, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) awarded hosting rights to Morocco, a nation with proven credentials. The country recently staged the 2024 Women's AFCON and is preparing to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup with Spain and Portugal. This edition will serve as a major test run.
Matches will unfold across six vibrant Moroccan cities: Rabat, Casablanca, Agadir, Marrakech, Fes, and Tangier. Each location offers a unique flavour, from the coastal breeze of Agadir to the electric atmosphere of Marrakech. The 67,000-capacity Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca is slated to host the final on January 18th.
The tournament retains its 24-team format. The nations are divided into six groups of four, with the top two from each group and the four best third-placed teams advancing to the knockout rounds. The scheduling shift to a December-January window is a significant change, prompted by FIFA's expanded Club World Cup in mid-2026. To avoid club-versus-country disputes, FIFA has mandated that all players must be released by their clubs by December 15, 2025.
Nigeria's Path to Glory in Group C
All Nigerian eyes are on Group C, where the Super Eagles have been drawn alongside Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania. It is a group that demands respect and careful navigation. Tunisia, the 2004 champions, present a formidable tactical challenge. Meanwhile, Uganda and Tanzania, who are joint hosts of AFCON 2027, are building ambitious squads and will be dangerous opponents eager to prove their worth.
Under the guidance of head coach Eric Chelle, the Super Eagles opened their training camp in Cairo on December 10th. The Malian tactician has spoken of a squad "out for revenge," channelling the disappointment of failed World Cup qualification into a determined AFCON campaign. The provisional 28-man squad is headlined by stars like Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and captain William Troost-Ekong. However, fitness concerns, particularly around goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, add an element of uncertainty.
Nigeria's quest for a fourth continental title, their first since 2013, is laden with both hope and pressure. The memory of the 2-1 final loss to Ivory Coast in 2023 is fresh, serving as both a painful reminder and a potential source of motivation.
Key Groups and Tournament Highlights
The draw ceremony, held in Rabat last January, set the stage for a thrilling competition. Group A pits hosts Morocco against Mali, Zambia, and Comoros, with the opening match featuring the Atlas Lions and Comoros. All eyes will also be on Group F, the 'Group of Death'. Defending champions Ivory Coast must battle five-time winners Cameroon, plus Gabon and Mozambique, guaranteeing early drama.
For fans in Nigeria planning to follow every moment, preparation is key. Matches will be broadcast live by major Nigerian networks, and CAF's digital platforms will offer additional coverage. Those considering the pilgrimage to Morocco should budget carefully, with flight and accommodation costs expected to peak during the tournament period.
Looking beyond 2025, the AFCON caravan moves to East Africa for the 2027 edition, which will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. This underscores the tournament's growing prestige and the continent's commitment to shared sporting projects.
As the countdown to December 21st continues, the stage is set for a festival of football that celebrates African talent, passion, and unity. For the Super Eagles and their millions of supporters, AFCON 2025 represents more than just a tournament; it is a crucial opportunity to reclaim pride and glory on the continental stage.
