Your complete guide to the dates, hosts, teams, groups, format, and what Nigerian fans should expect in Morocco.
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Africa’s most prestigious men’s national football competition, is set to kick off in Morocco this festive season with 24 teams battling for continental glory.
Dates and Duration
The tournament will take place from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026, stretching across nearly a month of thrilling football action featuring Africa’s best teams and players.
Host and Venues
Morocco, a football powerhouse on the continent, is hosting AFCON for the first time in several decades and will use nine stadiums across six cities, including Rabat, Casablanca, Fez, Agadir, Marrakesh, and Tangier. The opening match and the final will be staged in Rabat’s Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
Teams and Format
A total of 24 national teams will compete, divided into six groups of four teams each. The top two teams in each group along with the four best third-placed sides will advance to the Round of 16, followed by knockout rounds leading to the final.
Groups at a Glance
Here are the confirmed group setups relevant to the Nigerian perspective:
Group A: Morocco (hosts), Mali, Zambia, Comoros
Group B: Egypt, South Africa, Angola, Zimbabwe
Group C: Nigeria, Tunisia, Uganda, Tanzania
Group D: Senegal, DR Congo, Benin, Botswana
Group E: Algeria, Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, Sudan
Group F: Ivory Coast (defending champions), Cameroon, Gabon, Mozambique
This group containing Nigeria, Tunisia, Uganda and Tanzania promises intense competition for Super Eagles fans to follow closely.
How the Tournament Works
Group Stage: 21 – 31 December 2025
Round of 16: Early January 2026
Quarterfinals: Mid-January 2026
Semifinals and Final: Culminating in the final on 18 January 2026.
The knockout phase intensifies with single-elimination matches — if teams are tied after 90 minutes, extra time and penalties decide who progresses.
Why AFCON 2025 Matters
AFCON remains one of the world’s most physical and passionate tournaments, showcasing elite African talent from Europe’s top leagues and local stars alike. The unique winter scheduling fills football calendars globally, although it has sparked debate among clubs and fans due to its overlap with European seasons.
For Nigerian fans, AFCON 2025 represents a massive moment. The Super Eagles are perennial contenders, packed with stars playing in Serie A, Premier League, and beyond, all aiming to bring continental glory back home.
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