AFCON 2025 Kicks Off December 21st: Can Nigeria’s Super Eagles Finally Win a Fourth Title?
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The wait is almost over. Africa’s most exciting football tournament, the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), kicks off in Morocco on Saturday, December 21, 2025.
For Nigerian football fans, this tournament means everything. The Super Eagles are heading to Morocco with one clear goal: bring home Nigeria’s fourth AFCON trophy.
When and Where is AFCON 2025?
The tournament runs from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026. Morocco will host all the matches across different cities. This marks the first time Morocco has hosted AFCON since 1988.
Twenty-four teams will compete for African football’s biggest prize. The tournament will be played during the Christmas and New Year period, a first in AFCON history.
Coach Eric Chelle has named a powerful 28-man squad for Morocco. The team features Nigeria’s biggest stars and some exciting new faces.
Leading the attack are Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, both former African Footballer of the Year winners. These two players can change any game with their speed and skill.
In midfield, experienced players like Wilfred Ndidi and Frank Onyeka will control the game. The defense includes trusted names like Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, and captain Stanley Nwabali in goal.
Five new players received their first Super Eagles call-up: Ryan Alebiosu, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Usman Muhammed, Tochukwu Nnadi, and Salim Fago Lawal. These fresh talents bring new energy to the team.
Nigeria’s Road in Morocco
The Super Eagles are in Group C. They will face three tough opponents:
- December 23: Nigeria vs Tanzania
- December 27: Nigeria vs Tunisia
- December 30: Nigeria vs Uganda
All three matches will be played in Fès. Nigeria must finish in the top two of their group to move to the knockout stages.
Recent Form: A Wake-Up Call
Nigeria played a warm-up friendly against Egypt in Cairo on Tuesday, December 16. The result was not good. Egypt won 2-1.
The Super Eagles showed some fight, with defender Chidozie Awaziem scoring to make it 1-1 at halftime. But a goalkeeping mistake in the second half cost Nigeria the game.
This loss has raised questions. Is Nigeria ready for AFCON? Coach Chelle tried a new three-at-the-back system that didn’t work well. He will need to fix these problems quickly.
Can Nigeria Win Their Fourth Title?
Nigeria has won AFCON three times: 1980, 1994, and 2013. The last victory was 12 years ago. Nigerian fans are hungry for another trophy.
The Super Eagles reached the final in 2024 but lost to Ivory Coast. That painful defeat still hurts. Now they have a chance to make things right.
This squad has quality. Osimhen is one of Africa’s best strikers. Lookman dazzles defenders with his tricks. The midfield has power and skill. The defense has experience.
But Nigeria must show up when it matters. AFCON is not about talent alone. Teams need discipline, teamwork, and mental strength.
What Nigeria Must Do to Win
First, forget the Egypt defeat. That was just a friendly. The real tournament starts December 23.
Second, get the tactics right. Coach Chelle needs to find the best formation. The three-at-the-back system didn’t work. Maybe he should stick with what worked before.
Third, stay focused. Nigeria’s group is not easy. Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uganda all want to win. The Super Eagles cannot take any team lightly.
Fourth, avoid drama. Nigerian football has suffered from bonus disputes and poor planning in the past. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) must support the team fully.
The Pressure is On
NFF President Ibrahim Gusau has made it clear: Coach Chelle must take Nigeria to the final. Anything less will be seen as failure.
This pressure is huge. But pressure creates diamonds. The Super Eagles have carried Nigerian hopes for decades. They know what is expected.
The entire nation will be watching. From Lagos to Port Harcourt, from Abuja to Kano, Nigerians will cheer for their team.
AFCON 2025 promises excitement, drama, and unforgettable moments. For Nigeria, this is a chance to write a new chapter in their football history.
The talent is there. The hunger is there. Now the Super Eagles must deliver on the pitch.
When the referee blows the whistle on December 23, millions of Nigerians will hold their breath. Can the Super Eagles soar to glory once again?
Only time will tell. But one thing is certain: Nigerian football fans will never stop believing.
AFCON 2025 starts December 21. Nigeria’s first match is December 23 against Tanzania. Let’s support our Super Eagles!
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