The stage is set for a tactical showdown as the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed the head coaches for all 24 nations that will compete in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. The prestigious tournament is scheduled to kick off this Sunday in Morocco, promising a festival of football across the continent.
The Complete Roster of National Team Managers
Football fans across Africa and beyond are eager to see the masterminds behind their national teams. The list reveals a fascinating mix of experienced continental campaigners and fresh faces ready to make their mark. Leading the host nation, Morocco, will be the respected Walid Regragui, who will have the weight of a nation's expectation on his shoulders.
For Nigerian supporters, all eyes will be on the dugout where Eric Chelle will be in charge. The Ivorian-born tactician has the crucial task of guiding the Super Eagles to glory. His appointment brings a unique perspective to the Nigerian setup, and his performance will be closely scrutinized from the first whistle.
Notable Appointments and Continental Heavyweights
The coaching lineup features several big names with impressive pedigrees. Defending champions Ivory Coast will be led by Emerse Fae, the man who steered them to triumph on home soil. North African giants Egypt have placed their trust in legendary former striker Hossam Hassan, hoping his winning mentality translates from the pitch to the touchline.
Other significant appointments include Vladimir Petkovic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, who is at the helm of Algeria, and Sebastien Desabre from France, who leads the Democratic Republic of Congo. The experienced Hugo Broos of Belgium will aim to replicate his past AFCON success with South Africa.
The list of coaches for the 2025 AFCON is as follows:
- Algeria: Vladimir Petkovic (BIH)
- Angola: Patrice Beaumelle (FRA)
- Benin: Gernot Rohr (GER)
- Botswana: Morena Ramoreboli (RSA)
- Burkina Faso: Brama Traore
- Cameroon: David Pagou
- Comoros: Stefano Cusin (ITA)
- DR Congo: Sebastien Desabre (FRA)
- Egypt: Hossam Hassan
- Equatorial Guinea: Juan Micha
- Gabon: Thierry Mouyouma
- Ivory Coast: Emerse Fae
- Mali: Tom Saintfiet (BEL)
- Morocco: Walid Regragui
- Mozambique: Chiquinho Conde
- Nigeria: Eric Chelle (CIV)
- Senegal: Pape Thiaw
- South Africa: Hugo Broos (BEL)
- Sudan: Kwesi Appiah (GHA)
- Tanzania: Miguel Gamondi (ARG)
- Tunisia: Sami Trabelsi
- Uganda: Paul Put (BEL)
- Zambia: Moses Sichone
- Zimbabwe: Marian ‘Mario’ Marinica (ROM)
Tactical Battles Await in Morocco
This diverse group of managers, hailing from across Africa and Europe, will now turn their focus to final preparations. The 2025 AFCON in Morocco is not just a contest between players, but a chess match between some of the sharpest tactical minds in the game today. Each coach brings a distinct philosophy, and their ability to adapt and outthink their counterpart will be as crucial as the talent on the pitch.
For nations like Nigeria, the tournament represents a chance to reclaim continental supremacy. The success of Eric Chelle and the Super Eagles will depend on strategy, man-management, and the crucial in-game decisions that define tournament football. As Sunday approaches, the spotlight shines brightly on these 24 individuals tasked with leading their nations to African football's ultimate prize.
