AFCON
RedOne, Hatim Ammor, Gims: A Dream Cast for the Morocco 2025 Final Draw
The draw for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 promises to be an unforgettable sporting and musical event on a fitting stage at the magnificent Mohammed V National Theatre in Rabat on Monday, 27 January.
In addition to the excitement surrounding the 24 qualified teams learning their pool stage opponents for the 21 December 2025 – 18 January 2026 tournament, the draw will also feature several world-class acts to continue the great tradition of African football and music intertwined.
The star-studded event gets underway at 19h00 local time (18h00 GMT | 20h00 Cairo).
Three internationally renowned artists will be in the spotlight to set the evening on fire: Hatim Ammor, Gims and RedOne.
HATIM AMMOR: THE MOROCCAN STAR
Originally from Casablanca, Hatim Ammor is one of the most popular singers in Morocco. With a style that blends traditional Moroccan music with modern sounds, Ammor has won the hearts of millions of fans across the Arab world.
His career has been marked by hits such as “Hasdouna” and “Mchiti Fiha”, which have racked up millions of views on streaming platforms.
Ammor is expected to offer a vibrant performance that will celebrate the cultural richness of Morocco. His stage charisma and powerful voice will make the performance a highlight of the evening.
As an ambassador of Moroccan music, he will perfectly embody the spirit of the AFCON, which brings together diverse nations and cultures on the same pitch.
GIMS: AN INTERNATIONAL ICON
An artist of Congolese origin, Gims is an emblematic figure of French-speaking and international music. Based in France and Morocco, he has established himself as one of the most listened to artists of his generation, thanks to albums such as “Subliminal” and “Ceinture Noire”.
Gims has been able to transcend borders and musical genres. He also performed “Arhbo”, one of the official anthems of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, reinforcing his status as a globally recognised artist.
His participation in the draw for the 2025 AFCON is particularly symbolic, as it highlights the importance of the African diaspora in promoting the culture and unity of the continent.
Gims is set to perform some of his most iconic tracks, offering a unique blend of urban rhythms and African influences.
His presence will bring an international dimension to the event, reaffirming the global influence of the AFCON.
REDONE: THE MAESTRO OF THE EVENING
The third artist is none other than RedOne, a world-renowned Moroccan producer and composer.
RedOne, whose real name is Nadir Khayat, has collaborated with the biggest stars on the planet, including Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez and Nicki Minaj.
His productions, which include hits like “Poker Face” and “On the Floor”, have earned him multiple accolades, including three Grammy Awards.
As the event’s musical director, RedOne will play a pivotal role in the design of the artistic performances. His ability to merge traditional and modern elements promises a unique musical experience.
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Technical Director of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Coach Augustine Eguavoen, has strongly condemned media reports suggesting that he is being considered to take over as Super Eagles Head Coach ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) should current handler Eric Chelle fail to secure qualification for next year’s FIFA World Cup.
Speaking on Wednesday, the former Super Eagles captain described the reports as false, misleading, and damaging, insisting that he maintains a cordial and professional relationship with Coach Chelle.
“I feel very hurt by these baseless rumours because I really have no idea where they are coming from,” Eguavoen said. “I have a very good working relationship with Coach Eric Chelle, and I have absolutely no interest in taking over the squad. I am praying for him to succeed.”
Eguavoen, who has previously served as interim head coach of the national team, expressed frustration that such speculation was resurfacing, warning that it could undermine team unity ahead of major assignments.
“This was how the same speculators created schism and disaffection between myself and Gernot Rohr, and later José Peseiro, when they coached the Super Eagles at different periods,” he recalled. “It is uncalled-for. We all need to work together to see the Super Eagles qualify for the World Cup and win the forthcoming Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.”
The NFF Technical Director reiterated his commitment to supporting the technical crew and fostering a collaborative atmosphere that will enable Nigeria’s senior team to achieve its set goals.
“Our collective focus should be on progress, not distractions,” he added. “Everyone in the system is working towards one goal — success for Nigeria.”
The Super Eagles are currently deep in preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025, while their FIFA World Cup qualification campaign resumes later this year.
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AFCON
Nigerians, other nationals can apply, as CAF and Morocco Launch Volunteer Programme for AFCON 2025
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the Local Organising Committee (LOC) in Morocco have launched the official Volunteer Programme for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025, billed to run from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026.
According to CAF, more than 4,000 volunteers will be recruited to play a central role in ensuring the success of Africa’s most prestigious football tournament, which will be staged across six cities and nine stadiums in Morocco.
Applications are now open at volunteers.cafonline.com and will close on 8 October 2025. The opportunity is open to anyone above the age of 18.
Volunteers will be deployed across multiple functional areas, including media operations, spectator services, accreditation, hospitality, and fan engagement. Selected individuals will receive professional training ahead of the competition and work behind the scenes to deliver a memorable AFCON.
CAF stated that the programme is designed not only to support tournament operations but also to create an alumni network of skilled Africans who can contribute to future sporting events across the continent. Successful applicants will benefit from:
- Training and skill development.
- Official uniforms and certificates of participation.
- Networking opportunities with peers and professionals.
- The chance to contribute to Africa’s football legacy.
Volunteer registration opened on 17 September 2025. Selection and training will take place in October and November, with operations commencing in mid-December through to the tournament’s conclusion on 18 January 2026.
CAF described the initiative as an “exciting opportunity” for Africans to contribute to the growth of the continent’s flagship sporting event, which is expected to draw millions of visitors to Morocco.
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AFCON
CAF Security Chief, Nigeria’s Emeruwa, Leads Inspection of Tangier Stadium Ahead of Major Tournaments
Nigeria’s Dr. Christian Emeruwa, President of the Security and Safety Division of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), on Thursday, September 18, led an inspection visit to the Grand Stade de Tangier as preparations intensify for upcoming continental and global football events.
Emeruwa, who heads CAF’s continental security architecture, was joined by CAF Secretary General Véron Mosengo-Omba, senior Moroccan officials, and executives of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF).
The delegation also included managers of operational companies at the Grand Stade and SONARGES executives.
According to Le 360, the Nigerian official expressed satisfaction with the stadium’s facilities after touring key operational areas, including the main control room with its giant surveillance screen, as well as spectator, player, and VIP access zones.
The inspection was bolstered by the presence of Morocco’s top security and administrative officers—the regional commander of the Royal Gendarmerie, officials of the Auxiliary Forces and Civil Protection, the Wali of Security, the governor in charge of Internal Affairs, and representatives of the National Agency for Public Equipment (ANEP).
A technical meeting followed the tour, where engineers presented recent safety and security upgrades. Among the highlights was the planned installation of a FIFA-standard tarpaulin roof to enhance the venue’s compliance with global hosting requirements.
For Nigeria, the spotlight on Dr. Emeruwa underscores the country’s growing influence in African football administration, particularly in the critical areas of safety and security management for CAF competitions.
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