The group stage draw for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament in Morocco has placed three-time champions Nigeria in Group C alongside Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania. The draw, conducted on Monday in Morocco, set the stage for an exciting tournament scheduled to take place from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.
Nigeria, one of the tournament favorites, will be making their 21st AFCON appearance. As the most successful team in Group C, the Super Eagles have a storied history in the competition, boasting three titles (1980, 1994, 2013), five runner-up finishes, and an impressive tally of 16 medals in the competition’s 68-year history. Despite losing the 2023 final to hosts Ivory Coast by 2-1, Nigeria will be aiming to reclaim the trophy and further cement their dominance on the continental stage.
Familiar Opponents in Group C
Tunisia, a familiar rival, will be a formidable opponent for Nigeria. The Carthage Eagles, who ousted the Super Eagles in the round of 16 during the 2021 AFCON in Cameroon, have participated in the tournament 21 times. They won their sole title on home soil in 2004 and remain a consistent force in African football.
Uganda and Tanzania, co-hosts of the 2027 AFCON, complete Group C. Uganda will make their eighth tournament appearance, while Tanzania will feature for only the third time. Both teams, though less experienced, are expected to bring competitive energy to the group.
Group Stage Highlights Across Other Groups
The 2025 AFCON tournament promises thrilling matchups across all groups:
- Group A: Hosts Morocco will compete against Mali, Zambia, and Comoros.
- Group B: Seven-time champions Egypt will battle South Africa, Angola, and Zimbabwe.
- Group D: Defending champions Senegal are drawn alongside DR Congo, Benin, and Botswana.
- Group E: Algeria faces Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, and Sudan.
- Group F: Ivory Coast, the reigning champions, will meet Cameroon, Gabon, and Mozambique.
Host Cities and Stadiums
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the Moroccan Football Federation have confirmed six cities and nine stadiums as venues for the tournament. Matches will be played in Rabat, Casablanca, Agadir, Marrakech, Fes, and Tangier.
Rabat, the capital city, boasts four stadiums, including the largest venue in the city, the Complexe Sportif Prince Moulay Abdellah (69,500 capacity). Other notable stadiums in Rabat are the Stade Al Barid (18,000 capacity), Stade Olympique Annexe Complexe Sportif Prince Moulay Abdellah (21,000 capacity), and Complexe Sportif Prince Héritier Moulay EL Hassan (22,000 capacity).
Additional venues include:
- Casablanca: Complexe Sportif Mohammed V (45,000 capacity).
- Agadir: Grand Stade d’Agadir (41,144 capacity).
- Marrakech: Grand Stade de Marrakech (41,245 capacity).
- Fes: Complexe Sportif de Fès (35,468 capacity).
- Tangier: Grand Stade de Tanger, the largest stadium, with a capacity of 75,000.
As the countdown begins, anticipation for the tournament continues to build, with football fans eager to see which nation will emerge victorious. Stay tuned to Hobnob News for in-depth coverage and updates on the 2025 AFCON.
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