{"id":17461,"date":"2025-01-28T19:01:07","date_gmt":"2025-01-28T18:01:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/refinedng.com\/?p=17461"},"modified":"2025-01-28T19:01:11","modified_gmt":"2025-01-28T18:01:11","slug":"nigeria-drawn-against-tunisia-uganda-tanzania-in-group-c-of-afcon-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/refinedng.com\/nigeria-drawn-against-tunisia-uganda-tanzania-in-group-c-of-afcon-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"Nigeria Drawn Against Tunisia, Uganda &amp; Tanzania in Group C of AFCON 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"<body>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/refinedng.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/AFCON-2025-qualifiers-full-schedule-of-matches-of-the-first-day-1024x576-1.webp\" alt=\"Nigeria Drawn Against Tunisia, Uganda &amp; Tanzania in Group C of AFCON 2025\" class=\"wp-image-17464\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/refinedng.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/AFCON-2025-qualifiers-full-schedule-of-matches-of-the-first-day-1024x576-1.webp 1024w, https:\/\/refinedng.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/AFCON-2025-qualifiers-full-schedule-of-matches-of-the-first-day-1024x576-1-768x432.webp 768w, https:\/\/refinedng.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/AFCON-2025-qualifiers-full-schedule-of-matches-of-the-first-day-1024x576-1-585x329.webp 585w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">The road to glory for Africa\u2019s top footballing nations has officially begun with the draw for the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cafonline.com\/caf-africa-cup-of-nations\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON)<\/a><\/strong>. Held at the prestigious <strong>Mohammed V National Theatre in Rabat, Morocco<\/strong>, the event showcased Africa\u2019s rich football culture and set the stage for what promises to be a thrilling tournament.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">The <strong>Super Eagles of Nigeria<\/strong>, one of Africa\u2019s most successful football teams, will compete in <strong>Group C<\/strong> against <strong>Tunisia<\/strong>, <strong>Uganda<\/strong>, and <strong>Tanzania<\/strong>. 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:18px\">A Star-Studded Draw Ceremony<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"320\" src=\"https:\/\/refinedng.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/AFCON_Winners_Losers_2_1.jpg.webp\" alt=\"Nigeria Drawn Against Tunisia, Uganda &amp; Tanzania in Group C of AFCON 2025\" class=\"wp-image-17465\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/refinedng.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/AFCON_Winners_Losers_2_1.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/refinedng.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/AFCON_Winners_Losers_2_1.jpg-585x293.webp 585w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">The draw event was graced by renowned African football legends, including <strong>Joseph Yobo<\/strong> (Nigeria), <strong>Aliou Ciss\u00e9<\/strong> (Senegal), <strong>Serge Aurier<\/strong> (C\u00f4te d\u2019Ivoire), and <strong>Mustapha Hadji<\/strong> (Morocco). The proceedings were hosted by <strong>Beninese-American actor Djimon Hounsou<\/strong> and Moroccan media personality <strong>Nabila Kilani<\/strong>, adding glamour to the occasion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">The <strong>Confederation of African Football (CAF)<\/strong> Head of Competition and Events, Nigeria\u2019s <strong>Samson Adamu<\/strong>, led the process of placing the 24 qualified teams into six groups of four.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Read: <a href=\"https:\/\/refinedng.com\/nigerias-cricket-team-make-history-at-the-icc-womens-u-19-t20-world-cup\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">Nigeria\u2019s Cricket Team Make History at the ICC Women\u2019s U-19 T20 World Cup<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:18px\">AFCON 2025 Group Stage Pairings<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"691\" src=\"https:\/\/refinedng.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/20250128_042940-1024x691-1.jpg\" alt=\"Nigeria Drawn Against Tunisia, Uganda &amp; Tanzania in Group C of AFCON 2025\" class=\"wp-image-17466\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/refinedng.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/20250128_042940-1024x691-1.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/refinedng.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/20250128_042940-1024x691-1-768x518.jpg 768w, https:\/\/refinedng.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/20250128_042940-1024x691-1-585x395.jpg 585w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:18px\"><strong>Group A:<\/strong> Morocco (hosts), Mali, Zambia, Comoros<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:18px\"><strong>Group B:<\/strong> Egypt, South Africa, Angola, Zimbabwe<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:18px\"><strong>Group C:<\/strong> Nigeria, Tunisia, Uganda, Tanzania<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:18px\"><strong>Group D:<\/strong> Senegal, DR Congo, Benin, Botswana<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:18px\"><strong>Group E:<\/strong> Algeria, Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, Sudan<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:18px\"><strong>Group F:<\/strong> C\u00f4te d\u2019Ivoire (defending champions), Cameroon, Gabon, Mozambique<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:18px\">Nigeria\u2019s Journey in Group C<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">On paper, Group C presents a relatively manageable challenge for Nigeria. <strong>Tunisia<\/strong>, the group\u2019s most formidable opponent, are former AFCON champions (2004) and bring a wealth of tournament experience. Meanwhile, <strong>Uganda<\/strong> and <strong>Tanzania<\/strong>, representing East Africa, will look to make their mark by causing upsets against the group\u2019s favorites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">Former Super Eagles captain <strong>Joseph Yobo<\/strong>, who led the team to their last AFCON title in 2013, expressed confidence in the squad\u2019s potential:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">\u201cWe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">Read: <a href=\"https:\/\/refinedng.com\/nigeria-appoints-sekou-chelle-as-super-eagles-head-coach-in-a-bold-historic-move\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">Nigeria Appoints S\u00e9kou Chelle as Super Eagles Head Coach in a Bold, Historic Move<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\"><strong>Head Coach \u00c9ric S\u00e9kou Chelle<\/strong> also shared his thoughts:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">\u201cWe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:18px\">Key Tournament Details<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">The <strong>2025 AFCON<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">The tournament is scheduled to take place from <strong>21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026<\/strong>, offering fans an exciting festive football experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Key Dates:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:18px\"><strong>Group Stage:<\/strong> 21\u201331 December 2025 (no matches on Christmas Day, 25 December)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:18px\"><strong>Round of 16:<\/strong> 3\u20136 January 2026<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:18px\"><strong>Quarter-finals:<\/strong> 9\u201310 January 2026<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:18px\"><strong>Semi-finals:<\/strong> 14 January 2026<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:18px\"><strong>Third-Place Playoff:<\/strong> 17 January 2026<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:18px\"><strong>Final:<\/strong> 18 January 2026<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:18px\">Tough Competition Across All Groups<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">While Nigeria\u2019s Group C offers a promising path to the knockout stages, other groups feature intriguing matchups:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:18px\"><strong>Group A<\/strong> pits hosts <strong>Morocco<\/strong> against <strong>Mali<\/strong>, <strong>Zambia<\/strong>, and <strong>Comoros<\/strong>, with the opener set for 21 December in Rabat.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:18px\"><strong>Group F<\/strong> stands out as the \u201cGroup of Death,\u201d with defending champions <strong>C\u00f4te d\u2019Ivoire<\/strong>, five-time winners <strong>Cameroon<\/strong>, <strong>Gabon<\/strong>, and <strong>Mozambique<\/strong> set to battle it out.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:18px\"><strong>Group B<\/strong> features a clash of giants with record seven-time champions <strong>Egypt<\/strong> taking on <strong>South Africa<\/strong>, <strong>Angola<\/strong>, and <strong>Zimbabwe<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Read: <a href=\"https:\/\/refinedng.com\/google-deepmind-ai-for-science-scholarships-fully-funded-opportunities-for-african-students\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">Google DeepMind AI for Science Scholarships: Fully Funded Opportunities for African Students<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:18px\">Can the Super Eagles Reclaim Their Throne?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/refinedng.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Samuel_Chukwueze_Super_Eagles.jpg.webp\" alt=\"Nigeria Drawn Against Tunisia, Uganda &amp; Tanzania in Group C of AFCON 2025\" class=\"wp-image-17467\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/refinedng.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Samuel_Chukwueze_Super_Eagles.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/refinedng.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Samuel_Chukwueze_Super_Eagles.jpg-585x329.webp 585w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">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\u2019s perennial favorites. With a strong squad of globally recognized players, including stars like Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi, and Samuel Chukwueze, Nigeria\u2019s hopes are high.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">Joseph Yobo summed up the team\u2019s ambition:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">\u201cWe came close in C\u00f4te d\u2019Ivoire, 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.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:18px\">Morocco 2025: A Celebration of African Football<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\">As the continent eagerly awaits the tournament kickoff, <strong>AFCON 2025<\/strong> 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\u2019s history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\"><strong>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!<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/body>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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\u2019s history.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":17463,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[251,2058],"tags":[3757,300,278,4540,3491],"class_list":["post-17461","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news","category-sports","tag-afcon","tag-refinednews","tag-refinedng","tag-sportsnews","tag-supereagles"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/refinedng.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17461","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/refinedng.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/refinedng.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/refinedng.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/11"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/refinedng.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=17461"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/refinedng.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17461\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":17471,"href":"https:\/\/refinedng.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17461\/revisions\/17471"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/refinedng.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/17463"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/refinedng.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=17461"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/refinedng.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=17461"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/refinedng.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=17461"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}