AFCON
CAF’s analysis of AFCON 2025: Nigeria and Tunisia face tricky Group C challenge
 
   Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2025, is set to witness a thrilling contest in Group C, where Nigeria, Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania will battle for a place in the knockout rounds.
With two former AFCON champions and two East African teams eager to make their mark, this group promises to be one of the most competitive in the tournament.
Nigeria Begins Campaign Against Tanzania, Tunisia Faces Uganda
Group C action kicks off on December 23, 2025, with Nigeria taking on Tanzania at the Complexe Sportif de Fès in Fès.
The Super Eagles, three-time AFCON winners, will aim to start strong against Tanzania, who are still seeking their first-ever knockout stage qualification.
The same day will also see Tunisia facing Uganda at Stade Annexe of Prince Moulay in Rabat, a key encounter that could determine the early group leaders.
The Carthage Eagles, winners of the 2004 AFCON, will look to assert their dominance, while Uganda’s Cranes will be eager to cause an upset.
Super Eagles Face Tunisia in a Crucial Clash
One of the standout matches in Group C will be the Nigeria vs Tunisia showdown on December 27 at Complexe Sportif de Fès in Fès.
This fixture revives an old rivalry, with Tunisia having famously knocked Nigeria out of AFCON 2021 in the Round of 16. The Super Eagles will be determined to exact revenge.
Meanwhile, the East African derby will unfold on the same day as Uganda battles Tanzania at Stade El Bardi in Rabat.
The encounter will carry extra significance as both nations will co-host AFCON 2027, and this match will serve as an early test of their competitiveness.
Final Group C Showdowns on December 31
The last round of Group C matches will take place on December 31, with Uganda facing Nigeria at Complexe Sportif de Fès in Fès.
By this stage, Uganda may need to pull off an upset to secure a place in the knockout rounds.
At the same time, Tunisia will take on Tanzania at Stade Annexe of Prince Moulay in Rabat, a fixture that could be crucial for both teams’ qualification hopes.
With only two automatic qualification spots and a possible third-place route to the Round of 16, Group C is set to be one of the most unpredictable groups in AFCON 2025.
Group C Fixtures – AFCON 2025
Matchday Fixture Date Stadium City 1 Nigeria vs Tanzania 23 Dec 2025 Complexe Sportif de Fès Fès 1 Tunisia vs Uganda 23 Dec 2025 Stade Annexe – Prince Moulay  Rabat 2 Uganda vs Tanzania 27 Dec 2025 Stade El Bardi Rabat 2 Nigeria vs Tunisia 27 Dec 2025 Complexe Sportif de Fès Fès 3 Uganda vs Nigeria 30 Dec 2025 Complexe Sportif de Fès Fès 3 Tunisia vs Tanzania 30 Dec 2025 Stade Annexe – Prince Moulay  Rabat 
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AFCON
Eguavoen Dismisses Rumours Linking Him to Super Eagles Coaching Role

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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