Before the first whistle is blown at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco is setting the continental mood with music — and Nigerian global superstar Davido will be at the heart of it.

The Nigerian music icon will take centre stage on Saturday, December 20, when Morocco opens the AFCON festivities with a major concert at the OLM Souissi Fan Zone in Rabat, alongside French Montana and a star-studded cast of African and international artistes.

The concert, scheduled to begin at 18:00 local time, is part of what CAF, TotalEnergies and the Kingdom of Morocco describe as one of the most ambitious entertainment programmes ever staged around the Africa Cup of Nations. It is designed to transform the build-up to AFCON 2025 into a celebration of African culture, creativity and youth — with Davido’s presence providing a strong Nigerian and Afrobeats signature.

Davido, Nigeria’s Cultural Flagbearer

For Nigeria, Davido’s selection as one of the headline performers underlines the country’s cultural influence beyond football. One of Africa’s most recognisable music exports, Davido has played a defining role in taking Afrobeats to the global mainstream.

With acclaimed albums such as A Good Time, A Better Time and Timeless, sold-out world tours and hundreds of millions of streams, Davido has become synonymous with the sound of modern Africa. His honours include multiple MTV Africa Music Awards, BET Awards and Headies, making him a fitting ambassador for African excellence on the eve of the continent’s biggest sporting event.

Organisers say his performance in Rabat symbolises the unity between sport and popular culture that AFCON 2025 hopes to project — a festival where football meets music and identity.

Morocco Sets the Mood

The Rabat concert is positioned as the signature event of AFCON’s opening weekend, coming one day before the tournament officially kicks off. By blending Afrobeats, urban sounds, pop and traditional influences, Morocco aims to showcase its cultural energy before attention turns fully to the pitches.

French Montana, the US-based rapper born in Morocco, will headline the show in what is being described as a symbolic homecoming. Also on the bill are Moroccan star Douaa Lahyaoui, rising act Says’z, and the genre-blending Lartiste, all contributing to a line-up that reflects Africa’s diversity and youthful creativity.

With Davido representing Nigeria on the AFCON opening stage, the message is clear: AFCON 2025 is not only a football tournament but a continental cultural showcase.

As teams fine-tune tactics and fans count down to kick-off, Rabat’s opening concert promises to deliver a different kind of competition — one of rhythm, identity and continental pride — with Nigeria’s Afrobeats heavyweight helping Morocco strike the opening note.

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Before the first ball is kicked on the green carpet of Morocco’s stadiums, another contest is already unfolding — not on grass, but on the red carpet of arrival halls.

As delegations to the 35th Africa Cup of Nations touched down across Moroccan cities, football momentarily took a back seat to culture, heritage and sartorial pride. From flowing robes to richly embroidered fabrics, teams have been making statements long before naming their starting elevens.

Nigeria’s Super Eagles were among the early trendsetters, arriving in Fez clad in the flamboyant Buba and Sokoto, a classic ensemble deeply rooted in Yoruba tradition. The attire, with its wide sleeves and flowing trousers, blended elegance with confidence — a quiet reminder that Nigerian football, like its culture, travels with unmistakable presence.

From Nigeria’s western flank, the Benin Republic delegation arrived wearing Tako, the highly symbolic traditional dress of the Baatonu people of northern Benin. More than mere clothing, Tako reflects identity, dignity and continuity — values that mirror Benin’s steady rise on the African football scene.

The Comoros Islands, one of the tournament’s most compelling stories in recent editions, opted for Kandu, an ankle-length robe traditionally worn by men. Simple yet dignified, the outfit echoed the island nation’s humility and resilience — qualities that have made them an increasingly respected force on the pitch.

Former champions Senegal brought understated luxury to the arrivals, stepping out in elegant, flowing gowns typical of Senegalese formal wear.

Often crafted from fine fabrics and finished with intricate embroidery, the outfits projected confidence befitting a side accustomed to winning football’s biggest African prizes.

What has emerged is a colourful prelude to the football festival — a reminder that the Africa Cup of Nations is more than goals and trophies. It is also a celebration of the continent’s shared heritage, diverse identities and expressive cultures.

As teams settle into camp and attention shifts to tactics, line-ups and group permutations, one question lingers playfully in the air:
If AFCON awarded a trophy for style and cultural expression, which nation would be lifting it already?

For now, the only verdict is unanimous — Africa is winning, in colour, culture and confidence, even before the opening whistle

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By Kunle Solaja.

Group D of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, which kicks off in Morocco on Sunday, brings together pedigree, ambition and underdog spirit, with former champions Senegal topping a group that also includes DR Congo, Benin Republic and Botswana.

Although Senegal are no longer the reigning champions, the Teranga Lions remain one of the tournament’s strongest sides and will face stern tests from experienced and motivated opponents. Group D matches will be staged in Tangier and Rabat.

Fixtures (Kick-off times GMT)

• Dec 23 (17:00) – Tangier: Botswana v Senegal
• Dec 23 (19:30) – Rabat: Benin v DR Congo
• Dec 27 (17:00) – Tangier: DR Congo v Senegal
• Dec 27 (19:30) – Rabat: Benin v Botswana
• Dec 30 (19:30) – Tangier: Benin v Senegal
• Dec 30 (19:30) – Rabat: Botswana v DR Congo

Senegal: Former Champions Still Among the Favourites

Senegal arrive in Morocco as Africa Cup of Nations winners in 2021 and one of the continent’s most consistent teams of the last decade. Ranked 19th in the world, the Teranga Lions are making their 17th AFCON appearance after finishing top of their qualifying group ahead of Burkina Faso, Burundi and Malawi.

Under coach Pape Thiaw, Senegal retain much of the core that has made them perennial contenders. Kalidou Koulibaly remains the defensive leader, while the midfield boasts a blend of experience and energy in Idrissa Gana Gueye, Pape Matar Sarr and Lamine Camara. In attack, Sadio Mané continues to be the team’s talisman, supported by a formidable cast that includes Nicolas Jackson, Ismaila Sarr and Boulaye Dia.

Senegal will be expected to progress, but Group D offers no margin for complacency.

DR Congo: Two-Time Winners with Renewed Belief

Two-time African champions DR Congo bring history and ambition into the group. Winners in 1968 and 1974, the Leopards are making their 21st AFCON appearance and are ranked 56th globally.

Coach Sébastien Desabre has assembled a squad heavy on European-based professionals. The defence features high-profile names such as Chancel Mbemba, Axel Tuanzebe and Aaron Wan-Bissaka, while the attack is led by Cedric Bakambu, Simon Banza and Fiston Mayele.

Having topped their qualifying group ahead of Tanzania and Guinea, DR Congo will view their clash with Senegal as a defining moment in the group.

Benin Republic: Rohr’s Familiar AFCON Project

Benin return for their fifth Africa Cup of Nations appearance, still buoyed by their impressive quarter-final run in 2019 — their best showing to date. Ranked 92nd in the world, the Squirrels qualified behind Nigeria in their group.

Coached by former Super Eagles handler Gernot Rohr, Benin rely on structure, organisation and discipline. Captain Steve Mounié leads the attack, while defenders such as Olivier Verdon and David Kiki provide experience and stability.

Benin’s opening match against DR Congo could be pivotal in shaping their knockout hopes.

Botswana: Determined Underdogs on a Rare Stage

Botswana complete Group D as the lowest-ranked team, placed 138th globally, but arrive with pride after qualifying for only their second AFCON finals, following their debut in 2012.

Coached by Morena Ramoreboli, the Zebras are built around domestic league players, with forwards Tumisang Orebonye and Kabelo Seakanyeng among the key attacking threats. While expectations are modest, Botswana will aim to frustrate opponents and chase a first-ever win at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Group D Outlook

Group D may lack the defending champions, but it is rich in competitiveness. Senegal bring pedigree and depth, DR Congo offer experience and power, Benin add tactical organisation, while Botswana provide the unpredictability that defines AFCON.

With matches split between Tangier and Rabat, the group promises tight contests, contrasting styles and a fierce battle for progression to the knockout stage.

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