With five days until the final draw of 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is held in Morocco, anticipation is building. 

For many of Africa’s brightest football talents, this will be a golden opportunity to showcase their skills on one of the continent’s biggest stages.

Here’s a look at five players expected to shine during this prestigious tournament.

---

Ademola Lookman (Nigeria, Atalanta Bergamo)

Crowned African Player of the Year at the CAF Awards on December 16, 2024, in Marrakech, Ademola Lookman will undoubtedly be one of the most closely watched stars at the 2025 AFCON.

The Atalanta Bergamo forward earned the accolade following a spectacular season where he guided his club to UEFA Europa League glory with a historic hat-trick in the final against Bayer Leverkusen.

Last season, Lookman scored an impressive 27 goals and provided 13 assists, form he has carried into the current campaign with 11 goals in 18 matches.

At the previous AFCON, he contributed three goals to Nigeria’s remarkable run to the final, where they fell 2-1 to hosts Côte d’Ivoire.

The Super Eagles will rely heavily on his offensive prowess in Morocco.

Carlos Baleba (Cameroon, Brighton)

At just 20 years old, Carlos Baleba has established himself as a midfield powerhouse for both Brighton and the Cameroon national team.

Under the guidance of Belgian coach Marc Brys, Baleba played a pivotal role in Cameroon’s flawless qualification for AFCON 2025, finishing atop Group J with 14 points.

His performances in the English Premier League have also attracted interest from Europe’s top clubs.

Set to make his AFCON debut, the former Elite Academy product from Cameroon is poised to make a significant impact on the tournament. His blend of talent and confidence could be key to the Indomitable Lions’ success.

Carlos Baleba (Cameroon, Brighton)

At just 20 years old, Carlos Baleba has established himself as a midfield powerhouse for both Brighton and the Cameroon national team.

Under the guidance of Belgian coach Marc Brys, Baleba played a pivotal role in Cameroon’s flawless qualification for AFCON 2025, finishing atop Group J with 14 points.

His performances in the English Premier League have also attracted interest from Europe’s top clubs.

Set to make his AFCON debut, the former Elite Academy product from Cameroon is poised to make a significant impact on the tournament.

His blend of talent and confidence could be key to the Indomitable Lions’ success.

Brahim Diaz (Morocco, Real Madrid)

Brahim Diaz is set to make his AFCON debut on home soil for Morocco after choosing to represent the country of his heritage over Spain. During the qualification phase, Diaz was outstanding, finishing as the top scorer with seven goals in six matches.

The 25-year-old attacking midfielder from Real Madrid will bolster the Atlas Lions as they aim to end a title drought that dates back to 1976. With the Moroccan crowd behind him, Diaz could be the driving force Morocco needs to clinch the trophy at home.

Simon Adingra (Côte d’Ivoire, Brighton)

Simon Adingra left an indelible mark on the last AFCON, where Côte d’Ivoire triumphed on home soil.

Despite being sidelined during the group stage due to injury, Adingra’s two assists in the final helped secure a 2-1 victory over Nigeria, earning him the Man of the Match award.

At 22, Adingra continues to shine in the Premier League with Brighton, gaining invaluable experience that will benefit the Elephants in Morocco.

With his creative flair and maturity, he is poised to play a pivotal role in Côte d’Ivoire’s title defence.

Ronwen Williams (South Africa, Mamelodi Sundowns)

Ronwen Williams’ heroics during the last AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire are still fresh in memory.

His spectacular saves, both during matches and penalty shootouts, helped South Africa claim a commendable third-place finish.

The 32-year-old goalkeeper was named African Goalkeeper of the Year at the CAF Awards 2024 and was also recognized as the Best Interclub Player for his performances in the CAF Champions League with Mamelodi Sundowns.

With his form still peaking, Williams is expected to deliver more show-stopping moments in Morocco.  

Follow the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H

As the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations approaches, one name stands out in the vibrant world of African football coaching—Eric Sekou Chelle.

Tasked with leading Nigeria’s Super Eagles, Chelle’s appointment marks a new chapter in a journey defined by tactical acumen, versatility, and a love for attacking football.

Chelle enters the tournament as a seasoned tactician with a wealth of experience at both club and international levels.

Known for his adaptability and attacking mindset, Chelle’s mission is clear: to harness Nigeria’s star-studded roster and guide them to AFCON glory.

Profile

Name: Eric Sekou Sekou 

Nationality: France

Age: 48 years 

Current Team: Nigeria 

Tenure: 2025

---

Early Career and Coaching Background

Born in 1977, Eric Sekou Chelle boasts a unique blend of footballing influences, with ties to France, Ivory Coast, and Mali. His playing days set the foundation for a coaching career that began in the competitive environment of French football.

Chelle cut his teeth at French clubs US Boulogne and FC Martigues before stepping onto the international stage. In 2023, he guided Mali during the AFCON held in Côte d’Ivoire, leading them to a commendable quarter-final finish. His ability to elevate teams quickly earned him recognition, culminating in a stint with Algerian club MC Oran before his current role with Nigeria.

---

Tactical Approach

Eric Chelle is a proponent of attacking football, with a preference for a 4-3-1-2 formation. His teams are known for their high-pressing game, swift transitions, and creative forward runs. Under Chelle’s leadership, flexibility is a hallmark—his ability to adapt strategies to exploit opponents’ weaknesses has been a key factor in his success.

---

AFCON Experience

The 2025 AFCON marks Chelle’s second appearance at the tournament as a head coach. His debut at the helm of Mali saw him secure a quarter-final berth in 2023, showcasing his knack for navigating the rigors of African football’s premier competition.

Now at the helm of Nigeria, Chelle faces heightened expectations. Nigerian fans anticipate not just strong performances but silverware, given the depth and talent of the current squad.

---

Challenges and Expectations

Chelle’s appointment in January 2025 was met with skepticism from Nigerian football fans, many of whom questioned the credentials of what they termed “a French Ligue 2 veteran.” Despite this, Chelle remains focused on the task at hand—building a cohesive team capable of navigating the tournament’s challenges.

The coach’s first test will come in March during Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers, a crucial period for fine-tuning his squad before the AFCON.

---

Fun Fact

Chelle is not just a strategist but a football philosopher who enjoys inspiring his players to embrace the beautiful game’s unpredictability.

---

Conclusion

As Eric Sekou Chelle prepares to lead Nigeria into the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, his ability to mold a formidable team from Nigeria’s array of stars will be pivotal. While expectations are sky-high, the journey ahead promises to test both his tactical brilliance and leadership mettle.

Follow the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H

As Morocco gears up to host the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with the Final Draw scheduled to be held on Monday, 27 January in Rabat, it’s worth revisiting the last time this North African nation welcomed Africa’s premier football tournament. 

The 1988 edition marked a pivotal moment in AFCON history, showcasing Morocco’s burgeoning football culture and its ability to host a continental event of such magnitude.

In the late 1980s, Morocco emerged as a strong candidate to host the AFCON. With a football-mad population, growing infrastructure, and a strategic location in North Africa, Morocco was a natural choice.

CAF awarded Morocco hosting rights in recognition of its commitment to the sport and its ability to organize an event that would captivate fans across the continent.

A Compact Tournament: Dates, Teams, and Venues
The 1988 AFCON ran from March 13 to 27, offering an intense two-week showcase of African football talent.

Unlike today’s expanded 24-team format, the tournament featured just eight teams, split into two groups of four.

Matches were played in two host cities: Casablanca, at the iconic Mohammed V Stadium, and Rabat, at the Moulay Abdellah Stadium.

This compact format ensured that every match carried significant stakes, keeping fans on edge throughout.

Cameroon’s Triumph and the Tournament’s Drama
Cameroon emerged victorious, claiming their second AFCON title after defeating Nigeria 1-0 in a hard-fought final at the Mohammed V Stadium.

Emmanuel Kunde’s penalty secured the victory, capping a brilliant campaign for the Indomitable Lions.

Nigeria, led by the likes of Rashidi Yekini, finished as runners-up, while Algeria clinched third place by defeating hosts Morocco 4-1 in the playoff.

The home team, despite their passionate support, fell short of expectations, finishing fourth.
However, their participation added a layer of excitement and pride for Moroccan fans, who turned up in droves to cheer on their national side.

Stars of the Tournament
The 1988 AFCON was a showcase of individual brilliance. Cameroon’s Roger Milla was named the tournament’s best player, continuing his legacy as one of Africa’s greatest football icons.

Alongside him, Joseph-Antoine Bell, also from Cameroon, was recognized as the best goalkeeper for his stellar performances throughout the competition.

The golden boot was shared by four players: Algeria’s Lakhdar Belloumi, Cameroon’s Roger Milla, Egypt’s Gamal Abdelhamid, and Cote d’Ivoire’s Abdoulaye Traoré, each scoring two goals.

Their contributions highlighted the balance and competitiveness of the tournament.

A Legacy That Endures
The 1988 AFCON reinforced Morocco’s reputation as a capable and passionate host nation.

It also set the stage for the country’s future endeavors, including hosting major events such as the FIFA Club World Cup and preparing for the joint hosting of the 2030 FIFA World Cup with Portugal and Spain.

With world-class stadiums like the Mohammed V and Moulay Abdellah still standing tall, Morocco is ready to reclaim its place in the spotlight.

The upcoming 2025 AFCON is an opportunity to build on this legacy and deliver another unforgettable tournament.


Key Highlights of the 1988 AFCON:
Host Nation: Morocco
Tournament Dates: 13–27 March 1988
Host Cities: Casablanca and Rabat
Number of Teams: 8
Teams That Participated:
Morocco
Cameroon
Nigeria
Algeria
Egypt
Ivory Coast
Zaire (now DR Congo)
Kenya
Winner: Cameroon (2nd title)
Runner-Up: Nigeria
Third Place: Algeria
Fourth Place: Morocco
Top Scorers: Lakhdar Belloumi (Algeria), Roger Milla (Cameroon), Gamal Abdelhamid (Egypt), Abdoulaye Traoré (Ivory Coast) — 2 goals each
Best Player: Roger Milla (Cameroon)
Best Goalkeeper: Joseph-Antoine Bell (Cameroon)
CAF Team of the Tournament (Best XI):
Goalkeeper: Joseph-Antoine Bell (Cameroon)
Defenders: Ibrahim Youssef (Egypt), Emmanuel Kunde (Cameroon), Stephen Keshi (Nigeria), Abdelmajid Lamriss (Morocco)
Midfielders: Lakhdar Belloumi (Algeria), Gamal Abdelhamid (Egypt), Roger Milla (Cameroon)
Forwards: Abdoulaye Traoré (Ivory Coast), François Oman-Biyik (Cameroon), Rashidi Yekini (Nigeria)
Total Matches Played: 16
Goals Scored: 23 (1.44 per match)
 
Follow the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H