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.

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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.  

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The Final Draw for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 will take place in the grand setting of the Mohammed V National Theatre in Rabat on Monday, 27 January at 19h00 local time (18h00 GMT).

Inaugurated in 1961 by King Hassan II out of respect to his father, the theatre is an architectural jewel located in the heart of the Moroccan capital.

It embodies the elegance and rich cultural heritage of Morocco, a country that will host a memorable AFCON from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026.

It is the largest theatre in Morocco and the first theatrical building built once the country’s independence was regained.

Created in 1962, it is based in the city centre of Rabat, the capital, not far from the medina and Avenue Mohammed-V.

Rabat is located on the Atlantic Ocean at the mouth of the river Bou Regreg and has a metropolitan population of 1.8 million. 

A key moment for the 24 qualified nations
The Final Draw ceremony, a symbolic starting point for the competition, will see the 24 qualified teams divided into six first-round groups for the finals.

The event will bring together leading figures in African football, heads of federations, international media and sports legends, promising a star-filled night.

A show at the crossroads of sport and culture
Sport and culture will intertwine to offer a grandiose show. This celebration will reflect the uniqueness of Moroccan culture and the excellence of the organisation of this 35th edition of Africa’s greatest football competition.

Football fans around the world will be able to follow the Final Draw live on CAF’s official social media platforms and partner broadcasters.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Fun Fact

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

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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.

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