The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) promises to be unlike any other, as Morocco prepares to host the continent’s premier football tournament over the festive period.
For the first time, AFCON will stretch across Christmas and New Year, beginning on Sunday, December 21, with hosts Morocco taking on Comoros at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat at 19:00 GMT. The grand finale is scheduled for Sunday, January 18, 2026.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria, drawn in Group C, will face Tunisia, Tanzania, and Uganda in what promises to be a fiercely contested section. Their opening match sees the Super Eagles clash with Tanzania in Fes on December 23, followed by a meeting with Tunisia on December 27, and rounding off the group stage against Uganda on December 30.
Super Eagles Overview
Coach: Eric Chelle
Captain: Wilfred Ndidi
Top Scorers: Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen (2 goals each)
Ranking: Africa 5 | World 38
AFCON Appearances: 20 | Best Finish: Champions 1980, 1994, 2013
Nigeria reached Morocco as Group D winners, impressing with a 3-0 home win against Benin and strong results over Rwanda and Libya. Historically, the Super Eagles have enjoyed high-scoring contests, including memorable victories against DR Congo, Burkina Faso, Tunisia, South Africa, and Mali.
Super Eagles’ AFCON 2025 Group C Rivals
Tunisia – The Carthage Eagles
Coach: Sami Trabelsi
Captain: Ferjani Sassi
Top Scorer: Ali Abdi (2 goals)
Ranking: Africa 6 | World 40
Tunisia qualified as Group A runners-up. Their campaign featured narrow victories over Comoros, Gambia, and Madagascar. With 21 AFCON appearances and a championship win in 2004, they remain a respected force in African football.
Tanzania – The Taifa Stars
Coach: Miguel Gamondi
Captain: Mbwana Samatta
Top Scorers: Simon Msuva and Feisal Salum (2 goals each)
Ranking: Africa 27 | World 112
Tanzania returns after finishing second in Group H. The Taifa Stars are still searching for their first advancement beyond the opening round, but a mix of youthful talent and experience could make them a tricky opponent.
Uganda – The Cranes
Coach: Paul Put
Captain: Khalid Aucho
Top Scorer: Denis Omedi (2 goals)
Ranking: Africa 17 | World 85
Uganda qualified as Group K runners-up. The Cranes aim to better their historic 1978 runners-up finish, bringing a blend of seasoned players and emerging talents to Morocco.
AFCON 2025 Group C Head-to-Head Highlights
Nigeria have historically performed well against Tunisia, with wins in 1978, 2000, 2006 on penalties, and 2019.
Tanzania last met Nigeria in 1980, while Uganda will be looking to overturn their semi-final loss to the Super Eagles in 1978.
Tunisia hold past victories over Uganda from 1962 and 1978.
