By Kunle Solaja.

Nigerian football fans now have even more reason to pack their bags for AFCON 2025, as Royal Air Maroc has unveiled special discounted travel packages for supporters travelling from Lagos and Abuja to Morocco.

Under the new offer, fans can secure a round-trip ticket for just $715, a significant reduction aimed at making the journey more affordable for the thousands of Nigerians expected to cheer on the Super Eagles at Africa’s biggest football festival.

Royal Air Maroc’s discounted fares for AFCON fans

The discounted air fare which also affect fans from 11 other African cities, is designed to make it easier and more affordable for football fans across Africa to attend the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

The airline says the initiative is part of its commitment to ensuring that as many supporters as possible experience the excitement of AFCON 2025 live in Morocco’s world-class stadiums. With Nigeria poised to attract one of the largest travelling contingents, the discounted fares provide timely relief for fans planning early.

Royal Air Maroc encourages travellers to stay updated through its official channels for booking details and further announcements as the tournament approaches.

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South Africa has become the first country to unveil its provisional squad for the 2025 CAF Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, and the announcement has underlined one clear reality: Mamelodi Sundowns remain the heartbeat of Bafana Bafana.

Coach Hugo Broos released a 54-man preliminary squad on Monday, and while home-based players dominated the list, it was Mamelodi Sundowns — runners-up in last season’s CAF Champions League and Africa’s most dominant club of the past decade — who supplied some of the most influential names.

With 10 Sundowns players included, the club once again proves its unmatched depth, quality, and consistency in producing elite talent for the national team. The champions’ representation rivals that of Orlando Pirates, who contributed 13 players, but the significance of Sundowns’ presence lies in their continued dominance of South African and continental football.

Among the standout inclusions is Themba Zwane, the 36-year-old Sundowns playmaker who, despite battling long-term knee injuries since last season, remains indispensable to Bafana Bafana. His creativity and leadership were critical in helping South Africa reach the semi-finals at the last AFCON in Cote d’Ivoire, and Broos appears unwilling to risk a campaign without him.

The South African Football Association says the final 23-man squad will be confirmed “in the coming days,” well ahead of CAF’s December 11 deadline for all participating nations.

The preliminary list includes 12 foreign-based players, with the bulk of the squad reflecting the strength of South Africa’s domestic league — and particularly, its dominant champions.

South Africa’s Preliminary Squad for AFCON 2025 (Selected)

Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates), Brandon Petersen (Kaizer Chiefs)

Defenders: Aubrey Modiba, Fawaaz Basadien, Thapelo Morena, Khuliso Mudau (all Mamelodi Sundowns); Siyabonga Ngezana (Steaua Bucharest); Ime Okon (Hannover 96)

Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena, Bathusi Aubaas (both Mamelodi Sundowns); Sphephelo Sithole (Tondela); Luke le Roux (Portsmouth)

Forwards: Iqraam Rayners, Themba Zwane (both Mamelodi Sundowns); Lyle Foster (Burnley); Bongokuhle Hlongwane (Minnesota United)

With Mamelodi Sundowns continuing to set the pace in African club football, their strong influence on Bafana Bafana’s AFCON ambitions comes as no surprise.

As the countdown to Morocco 2025 intensifies, all eyes will be on whether South Africa’s most dominant club can transfer its winning DNA to the national team — and inspire a deep run at the continent’s premier tournament.

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With the Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 just days away, excitement is soaring—literally. Royal Air Maroc (RAM) has unveiled a spectacular aircraft livery dedicated entirely to the Atlas Lions, featuring striking portraits of Achraf Hakimi, Yassine Bounou, Brahim Díaz, Bilal El Khannouss and Youssef En-Nesyri.

The stunning tribute, created in partnership with the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), showcases Morocco’s brightest football icons and reflects the growing national momentum as the Kingdom prepares to host Africa’s premier tournament from December 21, 2025 to January 18, 2026.

This is the second special livery revealed by the national carrier. Earlier on November 1, RAM introduced an aircraft draped in the official AFCON 2025 colors, symbolizing the country’s readiness for a historic, festival-style edition of the competition. The new player-themed aircraft adds a powerful emotional touch, highlighting the pride and unity surrounding the Atlas Lions’ golden generation.

To meet the massive surge in travel expected during the month-long tournament, Royal Air Maroc is also rolling out an exceptional operational plan. More than 660 additional flights are being scheduled to ensure smooth movement for fans, teams, officials and media across the host cities—Casablanca, Rabat, Tangier, Marrakech, Agadir and Fez.

The initiative stems from a strategic partnership signed in April between the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and Royal Air Maroc, naming the airline an Official Global Partner for CAF’s flagship competitions, including AFCON.

As Morocco enters the final stretch of preparations, RAM’s latest tribute captures the spirit of national pride, continental unity and football passion that will electrify AFCON 2025—promising fans across Africa an unforgettable celebration both on the ground and in the skies.

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