AFCON
Morocco hosting AFCON will help Algeria, Chaibi says
Algeria hope to use the familiarity of Morocco’s climate to land a third Africa Cup of Nations title, midfielder Fares Chaibi said, despite his dismay that the upcoming tournament was not being held in the summer.
The Eintracht Frankfurt player, capped 22 times, also believed the proximity would make it easier for Algerian fans to rally behind the team when AFCON begins on December 21.
The French-born Chaibi expressed his excitement about the tournament, although it means he will miss crucial games for his club.
“We’re eagerly waiting for this Cup,” Chaibi told Reuters in a Zoom interview.
“It will undoubtedly be a fantastic tournament. Our Moroccan brothers have excellent infrastructure and know how to organise events.
“We have no doubt about the quality of the stadiums. I think all teams are happy to play in Morocco, and I hope it will be a great tournament,” he added.
“Morocco has the same climate as Algeria, we won’t feel like strangers, we’ll almost be at home. We have everything to deliver a big tournament, and we’re going there to make it happen.”
Algeria’s AFCON triumphs have come in North Africa. First as hosts in 1990, then in Egypt in 2019.
Chaibi believes summer is the ideal time for AFCON, but playing in winter won’t stop him from trying to erase the disappointment of Algeria’s early group-stage exit in Ivory Coast in 2024.
“It was supposed to be in summer… As professional players, we’ll always be there and answer the call of the homeland, no matter the timing. But in my view, summer is better,” he said.
“It doesn’t disrupt the season. We are focused at the end of the campaign, then get some rest. Now we break the season in half and miss club games, which isn’t ideal. But as I said, we’ll adapt.”
ALGERIAN ROOTS
Born in Lyon to Algerian parents, the 23-year-old never considered waiting for a France call-up, unlike peers such as Rayan Cherki and Maghnes Akliouche, who earned their first caps for Les Bleus this year.
“It was a natural choice. Algeria is my country. France is also my country because I was born there, but I feel more Algerian. It wasn’t a hard decision, and it wasn’t disrespectful to France. it’s a great football nation,” Chaibi said.
“But my culture has always been Algerian, and I wanted to make my family proud.”
Chaibi helped Algeria return to the World Cup after a 12-year absence, fulfilling his childhood dream of joining the team he watched at Brazil 2014.
Algeria, making their fifth finals appearance, will face holders Argentina, Jordan, and Austria in Group J of the expanded 48-team tournament in North America next summer.
“I think it’s every kid’s dream. When you watch the World Cup, you say, ‘Wow, this is huge’. And when you are from Africa, it’s not easy. Things are better now with more slots, but before, few African nations made it,” Chaibi said.
-Reuters
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Striker Sebastien Haller, whose goals took the Ivory Coast to the last Africa Cup of Nations title, could miss out on this month’s tournament in Morocco through injury.
The striker hurt his hamstring playing for Utrecht in the Dutch league at the weekend and has been undergoing treatment since joining up with the Ivorian squad at their training camp in Marbella, Spain this week.
The Ivorian federation said it was still waiting for test results before making any decision on the 31-year-old’s availability.
Haller missed the start of the 2023 finals because of an ankle injury but returned to the side in the knockout stages and scored the winning goal in both the semi-final and final as they won the tournament.
Ivory Coast kick off the defence of their title against Mozambique in Marrakech next Wednesday.
-Reuters
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By Kunle Solaja
When Nigeria’s Super Eagles touch down in Fés this Thursday aboard a chartered flight, they will be stepping into history, becoming only the second Nigerian football team to feature in a competitive match in Morocco’s oldest imperial city.
A UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its scholarly legacy and rich traditions, Fés last hosted a Nigerian team more than four decades ago.
On September 9, 1984, Shooting Stars of Ibadan made history there during an African club competition, holding Maghreb de Fés (MAS Fés) to a stunning 1–1 draw. The Ibadan side went on to complete the quarter-final triumph two weeks later with a commanding 4–1 victory at home.
Shooting Stars beat Maghreb de Fés (MAS Fés) 5-2 on aggregate 41 years ago
That memorable outing now serves as a historical echo as the Super Eagles prepare for their own chapter in Fés, where they will face Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda in Group C of the Africa Cup of Nations.
Nigeria’s quest for a fourth continental title — following previous triumphs in 1980, 1994 and 2013 — has been branded “NAIJA 4 THE WIN.”
The campaign gets underway on Tuesday, December 23, with a clash against Tanzania’s Taifa Stars, a fixture that revisits history as it mirrors the opening match of the 1980 AFCON finals hosted and won by Nigeria.
The Super Eagles will next take on Tunisia, hosts and champions of the 2004 Africa Cup of Nations, on Saturday, December 27, before rounding off their group-stage fixtures against Uganda’s Cranes on Tuesday, December 30.
All of Nigeria’s Group C matches will be played at the Complexe Sportif de Fés, reinforcing the team’s strong base in the historic city.
Elsewhere, Africa’s most decorated team, Egypt, face a different challenge in Group B. The Pharaohs — the only nation to have won the Africa Cup of Nations three times in a row between 2006 and 2010 — will battle 1996 hosts and champions South Africa, alongside Angola and Zimbabwe.
Their group matches will be staged at the Stade d’Agadir in the coastal city of Agadir.
As the Super Eagles settle into Fés, history, ambition and opportunity converge, with Nigeria hoping that echoes of past success in the ancient city will inspire another memorable continental campaign.
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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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