Home News Nigeria Drawn Against Tunisia, Uganda & Tanzania in Group C of AFCON 2025

Nigeria Drawn Against Tunisia, Uganda & Tanzania in Group C of AFCON 2025

by REFINEDNG
Nigeria Drawn Against Tunisia, Uganda & Tanzania in Group C of AFCON 2025

The road to glory for Africa’s top footballing nations has officially begun with the draw for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Held at the prestigious Mohammed V National Theatre in Rabat, Morocco, the event showcased Africa’s rich football culture and set the stage for what promises to be a thrilling tournament.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria, one of Africa’s most successful football teams, will compete in Group C against Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania. With a mix of North and East African opposition, the group offers a blend of styles that will challenge the Super Eagles as they aim to reclaim the continental crown they last won in 2013.

A Star-Studded Draw Ceremony

Nigeria Drawn Against Tunisia, Uganda & Tanzania in Group C of AFCON 2025

The draw event was graced by renowned African football legends, including Joseph Yobo (Nigeria), Aliou Cissé (Senegal), Serge Aurier (Côte d’Ivoire), and Mustapha Hadji (Morocco). The proceedings were hosted by Beninese-American actor Djimon Hounsou and Moroccan media personality Nabila Kilani, adding glamour to the occasion.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) Head of Competition and Events, Nigeria’s Samson Adamu, led the process of placing the 24 qualified teams into six groups of four.

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AFCON 2025 Group Stage Pairings

Nigeria Drawn Against Tunisia, Uganda & Tanzania in Group C of AFCON 2025
  • 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: Côte d’Ivoire (defending champions), Cameroon, Gabon, Mozambique

Nigeria’s Journey in Group C

On paper, Group C presents a relatively manageable challenge for Nigeria. Tunisia, the group’s most formidable opponent, are former AFCON champions (2004) and bring a wealth of tournament experience. Meanwhile, Uganda and Tanzania, representing East Africa, will look to make their mark by causing upsets against the group’s favorites.

Former Super Eagles captain Joseph Yobo, who led the team to their last AFCON title in 2013, expressed confidence in the squad’s potential:

“We have a solid team, and the players are improving with every game. I believe this generation of players can achieve something special. The group may not be easy, but we know Nigeria always rises to the occasion. Our goal is to start strong and carry that momentum to the finals.”

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Head Coach Éric Sékou Chelle also shared his thoughts:

“We have one of the best crops of players globally, and I am confident we are up to the task. Our focus is on preparation and ensuring we bring our best to every game.”

Key Tournament Details

The 2025 AFCON will be hosted across six Moroccan cities, with matches played in nine stadiums. This marks the first time since 1988 that Morocco will host the competition.

The tournament is scheduled to take place from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026, offering fans an exciting festive football experience.

Key Dates:

  • Group Stage: 21–31 December 2025 (no matches on Christmas Day, 25 December)
  • Round of 16: 3–6 January 2026
  • Quarter-finals: 9–10 January 2026
  • Semi-finals: 14 January 2026
  • Third-Place Playoff: 17 January 2026
  • Final: 18 January 2026

Tough Competition Across All Groups

While Nigeria’s Group C offers a promising path to the knockout stages, other groups feature intriguing matchups:

  • Group A pits hosts Morocco against Mali, Zambia, and Comoros, with the opener set for 21 December in Rabat.
  • Group F stands out as the “Group of Death,” with defending champions Côte d’Ivoire, five-time winners Cameroon, Gabon, and Mozambique set to battle it out.
  • Group B features a clash of giants with record seven-time champions Egypt taking on South Africa, Angola, and Zimbabwe.

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Can the Super Eagles Reclaim Their Throne?

Nigeria Drawn Against Tunisia, Uganda & Tanzania in Group C of AFCON 2025

The Super Eagles last lifted the AFCON trophy in 2013 under late coach Stephen Keshi. Since then, the team has experienced mixed results but remains one of the tournament’s perennial favorites. With a strong squad of globally recognized players, including stars like Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi, and Samuel Chukwueze, Nigeria’s hopes are high.

Joseph Yobo summed up the team’s ambition:

“We came close in Côte d’Ivoire, finishing second. Now is the time to go one step further and bring the trophy home. The players are ready, and we have a great coach to guide them.”

Morocco 2025: A Celebration of African Football

As the continent eagerly awaits the tournament kickoff, AFCON 2025 promises to be a celebration of African football, culture, and unity. With six host cities and a global audience tuning in, this edition of the competition is set to leave an indelible mark on the sport’s history.

What are your predictions for Nigeria in Group C? Do you think the Super Eagles have what it takes to soar to victory? Share your thoughts below!

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