Morocco is pinning its hopes on the timely return of Achraf Hakimi as the Atlas Lions prepare for a historic home campaign at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2025.

Nasser Larguet, former coach and technical director in Moroccan football, has offered fresh insight into Hakimi’s rehabilitation following the injury he sustained against Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League.

The Paris Saint-Germain defender has been out of action since the incident, raising concerns in both club and national team circles.

According to Larguet, Hakimi is undergoing an “intense and structured” rehabilitation programme aimed at ensuring he is fit for AFCON 2025, which Morocco will host.

He revealed that the right-back is putting in close to six hours of recovery work daily, underscoring his determination to return in peak condition.

PSG sources have also confirmed that Hakimi remains under strict medical supervision, receiving specialised treatment and closely monitored recovery sessions to accelerate his comeback.

Hakimi’s absence has been strongly felt. For PSG, his pace and tactical intelligence remain irreplaceable down the right flank.

For Morocco, the 25-year-old is a cornerstone of Walid Regragui’s system—providing defensive stability, explosive attacking runs, and dangerous set-piece deliveries.

With Morocco set to host AFCON for the first time since 1988, expectations are sky-high. The Atlas Lions have not lifted the continental crown since 1976, and the presence of their most influential players is seen as essential to ending the 49-year drought.

The emphasis on Hakimi’s recovery reflects Morocco’s broader investment in pre-tournament preparation, including medical, technical and logistical upgrades designed to give the team every advantage on home soil.

As the clock ticks towards kick-off in mid-2025, Hakimi’s commitment to an accelerated recovery has become a rallying point for supporters dreaming of an unforgettable Moroccan triumph.

Whether his comeback aligns perfectly with the tournament remains to be seen—but his determination has already reignited hope for a historic run.

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London’s iconic Piccadilly Circus was transformed into a celebration of African pride and Nigerian flair as the Confederation of African Football (CAF) launched the Diaspora Tour for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025.

The high-energy event drew African football legends, global fans and celebrities, with Nigeria’s own Alex Iwobi and music sensation Odumodublvck taking centre stage in a gathering designed to connect Africa’s football heritage with its vast diaspora.

The London stop is the first leg of a two-city tour that continues next week in Paris. The French capital will host events on December 3 and 4, including an opening ceremony at Palais de Tokyo, Yoyo, where the original AFCON Trophy will be on full display before returning to Morocco for the official Trophy Tour.

Nigeria’s Influence Felt Throughout the Event

Iwobi, one of the Premier League’s most prominent African players, was widely cheered as he mingled with fans at Piccadilly Circus, embodying the pride of the Super Eagles ahead of AFCON 2025.

Odumodublvck, riding the wave of his global hit “Declan Rice,” represented Nigeria on the cultural front, adding to the festival-like atmosphere that blended music, football and diaspora identity.

Former Arsenal Vice-Chairman David Dein, a long-time supporter of African football and a close friend of several Nigerian players, described the AFCON Morocco 2025 era as “a special moment” for the continent.

“African football is special; it is full of passion because Africans are full of passion,” Dein said. “This event here in London has been a great success and a good advertisement for African football.”

Cameroon legend Alex Song, who enjoyed a cult following among Arsenal’s Nigerian fans during his playing days, said seeing Africans gather in London to celebrate the continent’s game was inspiring.

“We have always known African football is amazing, but now we are exporting this to the rest of the world to see,” he said.

A Celebration of Diaspora Identity

Ghanaian superstar Stonebwoyelectrified Thursday night’s reception with a performance that lit up the venue packed with international media, CAF partners and sponsors. Alongside Odumodublvck, his presence underscored the growing influence of African music in global culture.

CAF officials say the Tour is more than a promotional effort — it is a tribute to the unbreakable bond between African football and its global diaspora. Each stop reinforces the shared pride that spans continents, from Lagos to London, Accra to Paris.

With Nigeria expected to be one of the headline contenders when AFCON kicks off in Morocco next December, the Diaspora Tour has offered a timely reminder of the continent’s unity and the Nigerians abroad who continue to fly the flag proudly.

The road now leads to Paris — before the AFCON Trophy returns to Africa, where the dreams of millions of fans, especially Nigerians, are already building toward 2025.

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Nigerian football fans can look forward to a fully inclusive AFCON viewing experience this December, as the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and New World Televisions (NWTV) have confirmed that the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 will be broadcast free-to-air nationwide.

The announcement ensures that every Super Eagles match—including all fixtures in Group C—will be available live to millions of households across the country.

AfroSport, Nigeria’s leading free-to-air (FTA) sports platform, has once again secured the FTA rights, marking a historic third consecutive AFCON broadcast after delivering the 2022 and 2024 editions to audiences nationwide.

With more than 33 million TV homes relying on terrestrial broadcasting, FTA television remains the most powerful and accessible medium in the country—reaching urban centres, rural communities and remote villages alike.

 AfroSport’s involvement guarantees that AFCON 2025 will continue to be a national event shared by Nigerians of all backgrounds, regardless of income or access to pay-TV services.

The broadcasts will be delivered through the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON) network, the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) as national broadcaster, and AfroSport’s growing roster of FTA affiliates.

Chief Consultant Akintunde-Johnson Bada, announcing the partnership, said Nigeria’s FTA platform remains the heartbeat of mass football consumption.

“We are proud to once again receive CAF’s trust and to deliver this most important event to every Nigerian home,” Bada said.

 “AFCON 2025 arrives at a critical moment for Nigerian football, and we all hope our boys can go one better than they did in Ivory Coast two years ago. AfroSport is committed to ensuring that every Nigerian can be part of this journey.”

NWTV Managing Director Nimonka Kolani said the partnership was made possible through CAF’s leadership.

“By securing the AFCON 2025 Free-to-Air rights, AfroSport guarantees that all Nigerians will be able to follow their heroes in Morocco,” Kolani said. “CAF, under Dr. Patrice Motsepe, continues to bring joy to millions of football fans across Nigeria.”

A Christmas Football Festival

AFCON 2025 will run from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026, making it one of the rare editions to be staged during the Christmas and New Year period. Morocco, building on its reputation as an emerging football powerhouse, will host matches across six cities.

The opening match on 21 December will feature hosts Morocco vs Comoros.

Nigeria will launch its Group C campaign on 23 December against Tanzania, before taking on Tunisia on 27 December and Uganda on 30 December.

All Super Eagles matches—and every other tournament fixture—will be broadcast live and free across Nigeria.

With the unmatched reach of free-to-air broadcasting and AfroSport’s leadership, AFCON 2025 promises to unite the nation once again—live, free, and everywhere.

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