The Super Eagles of Nigeria have touched down in Morocco for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, but not before making a powerful fashion and cultural statement. The team departed their training base in Cairo, Egypt, on Thursday, December 18, 2025, adorned in matching green native kaftans and caps, setting the tone for their tournament campaign.
A Grand Entrance in Traditional Attire
As confirmed by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the players and technical staff chose the elegant green kaftan as their official arrival attire for the tournament. Photographs shared on social media by commentator Mike the Pundit showed the squad looking unified and regal, with individual players adding personal touches through their choice of footwear. This practice is a cherished tradition for the Nigerian team, who often select green or white native outfits as ceremonial wear when heading to major competitions like the AFCON.
The move highlights a broader trend across the continent, where national teams use the tournament as a platform to showcase their heritage. The AFCON is transformed from just a football championship into a vibrant showpiece of African tradition, fashion, and culture. The Eagles' flight took them from Cairo to their tournament base in the historic city of Fes, where they will play all their Group A matches.
Squad Finalized as Osimhen Joins Camp
The departure to Morocco followed the completion of the squad with the arrival of key striker Victor Osimhen. The Galatasaray forward was the last player to report to the camp in Egypt, joining his teammates before the collective flight. His arrival, along with that of wingers Moses Simon and Samuel Chukwueze, who also missed the preparatory friendly, finalizes coach Eric Chelle's options.
Nigeria played a single warm-up match in Cairo, suffering a 2-1 defeat to the Pharaohs of Egypt on Tuesday, December 16. Goals from Mahmoud Saber and Mostafa Mohamed for Egypt sandwiched a strike from Nigerian defender Chidozie Awaziem. The team conducted recovery and training sessions on Wednesday before embarking on their journey to North Africa.
Despite questions from some Nigerian fans about the lateness of the senior players, no official explanation has been provided by the coaching crew. Coach Chelle is expected to rely on his trusted stars for the crucial opening match against Tanzania's Taifa Stars on December 23, 2025, at the Complexe Sportif de Fes.
High Expectations and a Clear Mandate
The NFF has set a high bar for the team's performance in Morocco. Federation President Ibrahim Gusau has publicly stated that the mandate for Franco-Malian coach Eric Chelle is to at least guide the Super Eagles to the final of the 2025 AFCON. This places significant pressure on the team as they navigate a group that also includes Tunisia and Uganda, following the Tanzania opener.
As the three-time African champions settle into their base, the blend of cultural pride displayed through their attire and the weight of sporting expectation creates a compelling narrative. All eyes will be on Fes as Nigeria begins its quest to reclaim continental glory.
