As the winter sun casts long shadows over the Atlas Mountains, the footballing world turns its gaze toward Morocco. For the first time in history, the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is unfolding across the festive season, transforming the traditional December calendar into a month-long celebration of African excellence.
The 35th edition of the tournament officially kicked off on December 21, 2025, and as we move through the opening round of group matches, the continent’s heavyweights are already making their presence felt. Across nine venues in six historic cities—from the coastal breeze of Casablanca to the cultural heart of Fez—the quest for the silver trophy is in full swing.
The Opening Salvos: Heavyweights and Dark Horses
The tournament began with a roar in Rabat as the hosts, Morocco, faced a resilient Comoros. Under the guidance of Walid Regragui, the Atlas Lions carry the heavy burden of being favorites on home soil. Their opening victory has set the pace for Group A, but they are not alone in their ambitions.
Egypt, led by the evergreen Mohamed Salah, started their campaign in Agadir with a statement win over Zimbabwe. The Pharaohs, seven-time champions, look more balanced than in recent years, blending clinical finishing with a more disciplined midfield. Meanwhile, the defending champions, Ivory Coast, began their title defense against Mozambique in Marrakech, looking every bit the powerhouse that conquered the continent in 2024.
Perhaps the most intriguing early clash came from Group D, where Senegal and DR Congo signaled their intent. The Teranga Lions remain a tactical marvel, but the Leopards of DR Congo, riding high after a successful World Cup qualifying run, have emerged as the “team no one wants to play” in the knockout stages.
The Super Eagles: A Quest for Redemption
For Nigeria’s Super Eagles, the 2025 AFCON is more than just a tournament; it is a mission of restoration. After the heartbreak of losing the 2023 final and the subsequent frustration of missing out on the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Nigerian squad arrived in Morocco under a cloud of intense scrutiny and desperate hope.
A New Era Under Eric Chelle
The appointment of Eric Chelle has brought a tactical shift to the Super Eagles. Known for his organized defensive structures, Chelle’s primary task has been to shore up a backline that has often been Nigeria’s Achilles’ heel. With the retirement of long-time captain William Troost-Ekong, the leadership mantle has shifted to the likes of Wilfred Ndidi and Calvin Bassey.
The Group C Landscape
Nigeria finds itself in Group C, a quartet that demands respect but offers a clear path to the knockout rounds:
* Nigeria
* Tunisia
* Tanzania
* Uganda
The Eagles opened their account on December 23 at the Fez Stadium with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Tanzania. While the scoreline was close, the performance highlighted Nigeria’s greatest asset: their frightening offensive depth.
Why Nigeria Believes: The “Lookman-Osimhen” Factor
Nigeria’s hopes are anchored in an attack that is arguably the best in Africa. In Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, the Super Eagles possess two players who have both been crowned CAF Player of the Year in recent cycles.
* Victor Osimhen: The Galatasaray talisman remains the focal point. His work rate and “never-say-die” attitude set the emotional tone for the team.
* Ademola Lookman: Following his heroics for Atalanta and his consistency for the national team, Lookman has become the creative heartbeat. His ability to find space between the lines makes Nigeria unpredictable.
* Supporting Cast: The bench is just as terrifying. With players like Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, and the rising Akor Adams, Chelle has the luxury of changing the game’s tempo at any moment.
The Defensive Question
While the attack purrs, the defense remains the talking point. The inclusion of Stanley Nwabali in the squad despite recent fitness concerns shows how much the coaching staff trusts the Chippa United goalkeeper. If the defensive unit, anchored by Bassey and Semi Ajayi, can provide a solid foundation, Nigeria’s attackers have the quality to outscore any opponent on the continent.
Looking Ahead: The “Battle of the Eagles”
The most significant test of the group stage arrives on December 27, when Nigeria faces Tunisia in Fez. This “Battle of the Eagles” will likely determine who tops the group and secures a theoretically easier path through the Round of 16.
The Carthage Eagles of Tunisia are the antithesis of Nigeria; they are patient, tactically rigid, and masters of the “clean sheet.” For Nigeria, this match will be the ultimate litmus test. Can they break down a North African defense on North African soil?
> “We are not here to participate; we are here to reclaim what we felt was ours in Abidjan,” Eric Chelle told reporters upon landing in Morocco. “The talent is there, but in Morocco, we need the discipline to match it.”
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Conclusion: A Continent on Fire
As the first round of matches concludes, the narrative of AFCON 2025 is starting to take shape. Morocco is proving to be a spectacular host, with high attendances and a high standard of play. For Nigeria, the dream of a fourth continental title is very much alive. The Super Eagles have the wings to fly high; now they must show they have the heart to survive the storm.
