The countdown to Africa’s biggest football festival has officially begun. On Friday, with 100 days to go before the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025, organisers have unveiled giant countdown clocks in each of the six host cities, building anticipation for the continent’s premier competition.

The clocks have been installed in Rabat, Casablanca, Fès, Tangier, Marrakech and Agadir — the venues that will welcome tens of thousands of fans this December.

They will tick down to the much-anticipated opening game between hosts Morocco and Comoros, scheduled for 21 December at 20h00 local time in Rabat.

The 35th edition of the tournament will mark Morocco’s first time hosting the AFCON since 1988, and the Kingdom has pledged a world-class fan experience in some of Africa’s most iconic stadiums.

Each city is expected to come alive with football fever, blending Morocco’s renowned hospitality with the vibrant atmosphere of the African game.

The month-long competition will climax in Rabat on 18 January 2026, when a new champion will be crowned.

Beyond the tournament itself, the symbolic clocks also highlight Morocco’s rising role on the global football stage, with the Kingdom set to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal.

With the final stretch to kick-off now underway, the clocks stand as a striking reminder of the history, drama and unforgettable memories that await at AFCON Morocco 2025.

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The Francis and Fidelia Ibhawoh Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to education and youth empowerment with the successful hosting of its annual Award Presentation Ceremony on Sunday, July 13, 2025, in Benin City.

This year’s event honoured two outstanding law students with scholarship prizes of ₦100,000 each.

The recipients were Favour Obaseki, a 300-level Law student at Ambrose Alli University, and Itohan Osemwegie, a 400-level Law student at the University of Benin.

Both were recognized for their exceptional academic performance and dedication to personal growth.

The ceremony attracted members of the Foundation’s Governing Board, respected figures from the academic and legal sectors, and other invited dignitaries.

 Delivering his remarks, Mr. Gerard Ibhawoh, Chair of the Foundation, congratulated the scholars and encouraged them to maintain their pursuit of excellence and integrity.

“Keep the flag flying,” he said. “Let this recognition be a steppingstone in your journey toward becoming change-makers in your professions and communities.”

Ibhawoh also highlighted the Foundation’s recent collaboration with the Community Sport and Development (CSED) Initiative.

The partnership has led to the successful delivery of netball and badminton workshops aimed at training teachers and students in several Edo State schools—a step toward holistic youth development through both academics and sports.

However, the Foundation Chair noted a reduced number of awardees this year, citing a decline in the quality of essay submissions. He expressed concern about the misuse of artificial intelligence tools by some applicants.

“While technology is a valuable aid, an overreliance on AI in academic work undermines original thinking and poses a real threat to authentic scholarship,” he warned.

Also speaking at the event, Prof. (Mrs.) Uyilawa Edosomwan, a member of the Foundation’s Governing Board, encouraged the recipients to see the award as a launchpad for future achievements.

“Let this moment inspire you toward even greater milestones in your academic and professional journey,” she said.

Since its inception in 2015, the Francis and Fidelia Ibhawoh Foundation has impacted over 321 students through scholarships and educational grants, while also empowering 185 individuals through mentorship, vocational training, international exchanges, and professional development programs.

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