The Super Eagles have been drawn against Tunisia, Tanzania, and Uganda at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Nigeria and Tunisia will hope to renew their feud in the regional football
Tunisia won on home turf in 2004, defeating Nigeria in the semi-finals and Morocco in the final.
The Nigerian squad was drawn into Group C during Monday’s ceremony in Morocco.
The enticing group game will pit Nigeria against Tunisia’s Carthage Eagles.
Tunisia won on home turf in 2004, defeating Nigeria in the semi-finals and Morocco in the final. Tunisia also defeated Nigeria in the Round of 16 of the 2021 AFCON in Cameroon.
Nigeria defeated Tunisia 4-2 on its way to the AFCON final against Cameroon in Lagos in 2000.
Though Nigeria and Tunisia are the more accomplished teams in Group C, the East African teams of Tanzania and Uganda will likely challenge for the two automatic qualifying spots.
The other groups’ matches are no less interesting, with host Morocco topping Group A alongside Mali, Zambia, and the Comoros.
Egypt, South Africa, Angola, and Zimbabwe are among the heavyweights in Group B, and each will have a lot to show.
Senegal, the 2021 champions, will compete in Group D against the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Benin, and Botswana, while Algeria will face Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, and Sudan.
Ivory Coast will face Cameroon, Gabon, and Mozambique to defend their title, which they won at home last year.
As the countdown to the tournament in December in Morocco begins, Nigerian fans will be hopeful that the Super Eagles, who nearly lost to Ivory Coast in the previous final, can improve in Morocco.
Eric Chelle, the Malian strategist who was recently hired to head the Super Eagles, was present for Monday’s stalemate in Morocco.
Chelle will be aiming to join Otto Gloria, Clemens Westerhof, and Stephen Keshi in the league of managers to win the AFCON trophy for Nigeria.
CAF president Patrick Motsepe from South Africa told reporters he believes the first AFCON to span two years will also be the most successful.
“I am extremely excited about the AFCON in Morocco—it is going to be the most successful yet. Ivory Coast raised the bar last year, and now we must reach even greater heights.
“Originally slated for mid-2025, the tournament had to be delayed to avoid clashing with the maiden edition of the revamped FIFA Club World Cup in the United States.
“The new dates will not affect the tournament. Africa boasts many exceptionally talented footballers, and all of them will be in Morocco,” added Motsepe
