AFCON
AFCON 2025 Group C Preview: Super Eagles Lead a Battle of Tradition and Ambition
By Kunle Solaja.
Group C of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, which kicks off in Morocco on Sunday, features a compelling mix of pedigree, experience, and emerging ambition.
Three-time champions Nigeria headline the group alongside seasoned North African contenders Tunisia, East African challengers Uganda and improving Tanzania, setting up a series of intriguing contests split between Fes and Rabat.
Fixtures (Kick-off times GMT)
- Dec 23 (12:00) – Fes: Nigeria v Tanzania
- Dec 23 (14:30) – Rabat: Tunisia v Uganda
- Dec 27 (12:00) – Fes: Nigeria v Tunisia
- Dec 27 (19:00) – Rabat: Tanzania v Uganda
- Dec 30 (17:00) – Fes: Nigeria v Uganda
- Dec 30 (17:00) – Rabat: Tanzania v Tunisia
Nigeria: Favourites with Depth and Firepower
Nigeria arrive in Morocco aiming for a fourth continental crown, having previously lifted the trophy in 1980, 1994 and 2013.
Making their 20th appearance at the finals, the Super Eagles are ranked 38th in the world and topped their qualifying group ahead of Benin, Rwanda and Libya.
Under new coach Eric Sékou Chelle, Nigeria boast one of the most balanced squads in the competition.
Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali anchors a defence featuring Premier League experience in Calvin Bassey and Bright Osayi-Samuel, while Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi and Frank Onyeka power the midfield.
Up front, the Eagles possess an enviable array of attacking options, led by Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, supported by Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon and Paul Onuachu. Nigeria will play all three group matches in Fes, a logistical advantage that could prove decisive.
Tunisia: Consistency and Continental Know-How
Tunisia are appearing at the AFCON finals for the 21st time, underlining their reputation as one of Africa’s most consistent performers. Winners on home soil in 2004, the Carthage Eagles enter the tournament ranked 40th globally and qualified as runners-up behind Comoros in their group.
Coached by Sami Trabelsi, Tunisia combines European-based talent with tactical discipline. Midfield general Ellyes Skhiri, veteran Ferjani Sassi and Burnley midfielder Hannibal Mejri provide experience and control, while defenders Ali Abdi and Montassar Talbi offer solidity at the back.
Tunisia’s clash with Nigeria in Fes is expected to be one of the standout group matches.
Uganda: Seeking a Return to Past Glory
Uganda, runners-up at the 1978 Africa Cup of Nations, return for their eighth finals appearance, hoping to recapture past promise. Ranked 85th in the world, the Cranes qualified behind South Africa in their group and are coached by the experienced Belgian tactician Paul Put.
With veteran goalkeeper Denis Onyango and a blend of Europe- and Africa-based players, Uganda aim to combine resilience with attacking intent. Strikers such as Steven Mukwala and Uchechukwu Ikpeazu will be key if the Cranes are to challenge for progression.
Uganda must still trim their provisional 30-man squad by two players ahead of the tournament.
Tanzania: Determined Underdogs
Tanzania completes Group C as underdogs but arrives with confidence after qualifying for their fourth AFCON finals. Ranked 112th globally, the Taifa Stars finished runners-up behind DR Congo in qualification, edging Guinea and Ethiopia.
Argentine coach Miguel Gamondi has built a disciplined squad featuring a strong domestic core from Simba and Young Africans, alongside experienced forward Mbwana Samatta. Tanzania will be keen to build on their recent AFCON appearances and secure a first-ever knockout-stage win.
Group C Outlook
Group C promises a fascinating contest between tradition and ambition. Nigeria’s attacking depth makes them favourites, but Tunisia’s consistency, Uganda’s resilience and Tanzania’s hunger ensure no easy matches.
With key encounters spread across Fes and Rabat, the group is poised to deliver drama, tactical battles and defining moments as the race for the knockout stage unfolds.
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Confederation of African Football president Patrice Motsepe has praised Morocco’s King Mohammed VI for what he described as a powerful gesture of unity and reconciliation following the royal pardon granted to Senegalese supporters convicted over offences linked to the final match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
In a statement released on Saturday, Motsepe expressed deep appreciation on behalf of CAF’s 54 member associations, hailing the Moroccan monarch’s decision as a demonstration of football’s ability to foster peace and solidarity across the continent.
“I would like to express our deep gratitude to His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist him, for granting His Royal Pardon to the Senegalese supporters convicted of offences relating to the final match of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025,” Motsepe stated.
The CAF president said the pardon reflected Morocco’s enduring commitment to African unity and highlighted football’s growing role as a bridge between nations and cultures.
“CAF has consistently emphasised its commitment to utilise football to contribute to uniting our people from different racial, ethnic and religious backgrounds,” he said.
“The pardon by His Majesty King Mohammed VI is an uplifting and motivating illustration of the power of football to unite and bring our people together in Africa and worldwide.”
Motsepe also revealed that during recent visits to both Morocco and Senegal, he had been struck by the deep historical and cultural bonds shared by the two countries.
“I was amazed and impressed when I was briefed about the historic and extensive ties between the people of Senegal and Morocco,” he added.
The statement further reinforced Morocco’s rising influence within African football, especially after successfully hosting the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and positioning itself as one of Africa’s leading football destinations ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which it will co-host with Spain and Portugal.
Motsepe also extended CAF’s best wishes to Africa’s representatives at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, expressing confidence that the continent’s teams would perform strongly on the global stage.
Among the African nations mentioned were Morocco, Senegal, Egypt, Algeria, Tunisia, Ghana, South Africa, Côte d’Ivoire, Cape Verde and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
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By Kunle Solaja.
Former African champions Algeria and Zambia are set for an early showdown after the release of the Group I fixtures for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Algeria host Zambia on Matchday One on September 21, 2026, in what is expected to be one of the headline fixtures of the qualifying campaign, while Togo entertain Burundi in the group’s other opening tie.
The Desert Foxes are favourites to qualify, but Zambia’s growing consistency and Togo’s unpredictability could make the race highly competitive.
Algeria travel to Burundi on Matchday Two before facing Togo in back-to-back encounters across Matchdays Three and Four. Zambia also meet Burundi home and away during the same period.
The potentially decisive fixture comes on March 22, 2027, when Zambia host Algeria in a clash that could determine the final standings.
Group I Fixtures
Matchday 1 — September 21, 2026
- Algeria vs Zambia
- Togo vs Burundi
Matchday 2 — October 6, 2026
- Zambia vs Togo
- Burundi vs Algeria
Matchday 3 — October 2026
- Algeria vs Togo
- Zambia vs Burundi
Matchday 4 — November 17, 2026
- Togo vs Algeria
- Burundi vs Zambia
Matchday 5 — March 22, 2027
- Zambia vs Algeria
- Burundi vs Togo
Matchday 6 — March 30, 2027
- Togo vs Zambia
- Algeria vs Burundi
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By Kunle Solaja.
African heavyweights Senegal will launch their quest for another Africa Cup of Nations appearance with a home clash against Mozambique in Group J of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.
The Lions of Teranga, among the continent’s strongest teams in recent years, headline a group that also includes Sudan and Ethiopia.
Senegal host Mozambique on Matchday One on September 21, 2026, while Sudan tackle Ethiopia in the other opening encounter.
Senegal are strong favourites to dominate the group, but Sudan and Mozambique are expected to battle fiercely for qualification points.
The key fixtures may emerge in the double-header between Senegal and Sudan across Matchdays Three and Four, while Mozambique and Ethiopia also face each other home and away.
Senegal travel to Mozambique on Matchday Five before ending their campaign at home against Ethiopia on March 30, 2027.
Group J Fixtures
Matchday 1 — September 21, 2026
- Senegal vs Mozambique
- Sudan vs Ethiopia
Matchday 2 — October 6, 2026
- Mozambique vs Sudan
- Ethiopia vs Senegal
Matchday 3 — October 2026
- Senegal vs Sudan
- Mozambique vs Ethiopia
Matchday 4 — November 17, 2026
- Sudan vs Senegal
- Ethiopia vs Mozambique
Matchday 5 — March 22, 2027
- Mozambique vs Senegal
- Ethiopia vs Sudan
Matchday 6 — March 30, 2027
- Sudan vs Mozambique
- Senegal vs Ethiopia
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