AFCON

Afcon 2023 teams set up seven pre-tournament camps in the Middle East and Africa

Published

2 years ago

December 28, 2023

Super Eagles of Nigeria along with Burkina Faso, DR Congo, Cape Verde Angola and Guinea set up camp in the United Arab Emirates

With the clock ticking down to the 13 January kick-off date for the 34^th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations, the 24 teams have set up seven camps in the Middle East, North Africa, South Africa and West Africa as well as some remaining at home.

The camps are in Saudi Arabia, UAE, West Africa, South Africa, Tunisia, Algeria as well as some remaining in their home countries.

In the United Arab Emirates are six teams from Nigeria, Burkina Faso, DR Congo, Cape Verde Angola and Guinea.

Fourth in the last edition, Burkina Faso chose to set up camp in Dubai on December 28, where the Stallions will play a mini-tournament with Nigeria and the DR Congo.

The Congolese and Burkinabes will face off on January 10.

It’s worth noting that Sébastien Desabre’s men are expected in Abu Dhabi at the end of December.

These two teams will be joined by Cape Verde, fine-tunning its preparation in Abu Dhabi before flying to Rades in Tunisia where they will face the Carthage Eagles on January 10.

Abu Dhabi is a carefully considered choice for Kaba Diawara: “Initially, we will meet in Conakry on December 28 and do everything related to flag presentation, celebration, receiving the head of state, and saying goodbye to families on our soil.

“We will be in Abu Dhabi on the 31st to start training. We will leave there for Cote d’Ivoire on January 11 or 12, 2024,” explained the Guinean coach.

Nigeria chose to set up in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates during their preparation. The Super Eagles will face the DR Congo and Burkina Faso during this period.

Nigerians will likely encounter Angola, who also chose Dubai for their training camp.

At the Saudi Arabia training camp are the quartet of Cameroon, Gambia, Zambia, and Cape Verde which also will partly be in UAE and later Tunisia.

Cameroon and Gambia, the two teams set to face each other on January 23 in Group B of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations, will prepare in the same country of Saudi Arabia.

According to the Cameroonian press, a contingent of 23 Indomitable Lions will travel to Jeddah on December 27.

Gambia will stay in Saudi Arabia from December 27 to January 5 before heading to Morocco, where a match against the Atlas Lions is planned on January 7.

After a brief gathering with local players, Zambia will fly to Riyadh, with a friendly match scheduled around January 7.

South Africa is another training centre where Ghana and Mozambique will be. Ghanaians will spend New Year’s Eve together in South Africa. The Black Stars will undergo a 10-day training camp where the press and the public will not be able to attend their sessions.

A test match against Botswana is scheduled for Chris Hughton’s men on January 8 before flying to Abidjan.

Mozambicans will also travel to South Africa before the Africa Cup of Nations.

The trio of Algeria, Guinea Bossau and Namibia opted to set up camp in West Africa

Algeria heads to Togo. From January 1 to 10, the Fennecs will conduct their preparation stage in Lomé. The 2021 African champions will play against Togo on January 5 and Burundi on January 9.

Guinea Bissau will go to Mali. The Djurtus will face the Eagles on January 3 before heading to Ivory Coast on January 7. Namibia will be in Ghana.

Both Mauritania and Zambia opted to set up training camp in Tunisia. After Abu Dhabi, Cape Verde will go to Tunisia, where a match against the Carthage Eagles is scheduled.

Mauritania will start its preparation in Tabarka, a coastal city in northwest Tunisia. Amir Abdou and his team will be there until January 11 and will face Tunisia on January 6.

Tanzania will prepare on the side of Annaba in Algeria. Two friendly matches against nations participating in the AFCON are under discussion.

Eight nations have decided to carry out their preparation at home, including Morocco, Egypt, South Africa, Equatorial Guinea, Tunisia, Mali, Senegal, and Ivory Coast, the host country of the competition.

AFCON

Super Eagles Return to Historic Fés as AFCON Campaign Begins

Published

12 hours ago

December 18, 2025

Kunle Solaja

By Kunle Solaja

When Nigeria’s Super Eagles touch down in Fés this Thursday aboard a chartered flight, they will be stepping into history, becoming only the second Nigerian football team to feature in a competitive match in Morocco’s oldest imperial city.

A UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its scholarly legacy and rich traditions, Fés last hosted a Nigerian team more than four decades ago.

On September 9, 1984, Shooting Stars of Ibadan made history there during an African club competition, holding Maghreb de Fés (MAS Fés) to a stunning 1–1 draw. The Ibadan side went on to complete the quarter-final triumph two weeks later with a commanding 4–1 victory at home.

Shooting Stars beat Maghreb de Fés (MAS Fés) 5-2 on aggregate 41 years ago

That memorable outing now serves as a historical echo as the Super Eagles prepare for their own chapter in Fés, where they will face Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda in Group C of the Africa Cup of Nations.

Nigeria’s quest for a fourth continental title — following previous triumphs in 1980, 1994 and 2013 — has been branded “NAIJA 4 THE WIN.”

The campaign gets underway on Tuesday, December 23, with a clash against Tanzania’s Taifa Stars, a fixture that revisits history as it mirrors the opening match of the 1980 AFCON finals hosted and won by Nigeria.

The Super Eagles will next take on Tunisia, hosts and champions of the 2004 Africa Cup of Nations, on Saturday, December 27, before rounding off their group-stage fixtures against Uganda’s Cranes on Tuesday, December 30.

All of Nigeria’s Group C matches will be played at the Complexe Sportif de Fés, reinforcing the team’s strong base in the historic city.

Elsewhere, Africa’s most decorated team, Egypt, face a different challenge in Group B. The Pharaohs — the only nation to have won the Africa Cup of Nations three times in a row between 2006 and 2010 — will battle 1996 hosts and champions South Africa, alongside Angola and Zimbabwe.

Their group matches will be staged at the Stade d’Agadir in the coastal city of Agadir.

As the Super Eagles settle into Fés, history, ambition and opportunity converge, with Nigeria hoping that echoes of past success in the ancient city will inspire another memorable continental campaign.

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AFCON

AFCON 2025 Group C Preview: Super Eagles Lead a Battle of Tradition and Ambition

Published

14 hours ago

December 18, 2025

Kunle Solaja

By Kunle Solaja.

Group C of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, which kicks off in Morocco on Sunday, features a compelling mix of pedigree, experience, and emerging ambition.

Three-time champions Nigeria headline the group alongside seasoned North African contenders Tunisia, East African challengers Uganda and improving Tanzania, setting up a series of intriguing contests split between Fes and Rabat.

Fixtures (Kick-off times GMT)

Dec 23 (12:00) – Fes: Nigeria v Tanzania
Dec 23 (14:30) – Rabat: Tunisia v Uganda
Dec 27 (12:00) – Fes: Nigeria v Tunisia
Dec 27 (19:00) – Rabat: Tanzania v Uganda
Dec 30 (17:00) – Fes: Nigeria v Uganda
Dec 30 (17:00) – Rabat: Tanzania v Tunisia

Nigeria: Favourites with Depth and Firepower

Nigeria arrive in Morocco aiming for a fourth continental crown, having previously lifted the trophy in 1980, 1994 and 2013.

Making their 20th appearance at the finals, the Super Eagles are ranked 38th in the world and topped their qualifying group ahead of Benin, Rwanda and Libya.

Under new coach Eric Sékou Chelle, Nigeria boast one of the most balanced squads in the competition.

Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali anchors a defence featuring Premier League experience in Calvin Bassey and Bright Osayi-Samuel, while Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi and Frank Onyeka power the midfield.

Up front, the Eagles possess an enviable array of attacking options, led by Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, supported by Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon and Paul Onuachu. Nigeria will play all three group matches in Fes, a logistical advantage that could prove decisive.

Tunisia: Consistency and Continental Know-How

Tunisia are appearing at the AFCON finals for the 21st time, underlining their reputation as one of Africa’s most consistent performers. Winners on home soil in 2004, the Carthage Eagles enter the tournament ranked 40th globally and qualified as runners-up behind Comoros in their group.

Coached by Sami Trabelsi, Tunisia combines European-based talent with tactical discipline. Midfield general Ellyes Skhiri, veteran Ferjani Sassi and Burnley midfielder Hannibal Mejri provide experience and control, while defenders Ali Abdi and Montassar Talbi offer solidity at the back.

Tunisia’s clash with Nigeria in Fes is expected to be one of the standout group matches.

Uganda: Seeking a Return to Past Glory

Uganda, runners-up at the 1978 Africa Cup of Nations, return for their eighth finals appearance, hoping to recapture past promise. Ranked 85th in the world, the Cranes qualified behind South Africa in their group and are coached by the experienced Belgian tactician Paul Put.

It’s a repeat of 1978 Afcon final as Uganda face Ghana in Africa Games gold medal match

With veteran goalkeeper Denis Onyango and a blend of Europe- and Africa-based players, Uganda aim to combine resilience with attacking intent. Strikers such as Steven Mukwala and Uchechukwu Ikpeazu will be key if the Cranes are to challenge for progression.

Uganda must still trim their provisional 30-man squad by two players ahead of the tournament.

Tanzania: Determined Underdogs

Tanzania completes Group C as underdogs but arrives with confidence after qualifying for their fourth AFCON finals. Ranked 112th globally, the Taifa Stars finished runners-up behind DR Congo in qualification, edging Guinea and Ethiopia.

Argentine coach Miguel Gamondi has built a disciplined squad featuring a strong domestic core from Simba and Young Africans, alongside experienced forward Mbwana Samatta. Tanzania will be keen to build on their recent AFCON appearances and secure a first-ever knockout-stage win.

Group C Outlook

Group C promises a fascinating contest between tradition and ambition. Nigeria’s attacking depth makes them favourites, but Tunisia’s consistency, Uganda’s resilience and Tanzania’s hunger ensure no easy matches.

With key encounters spread across Fes and Rabat, the group is poised to deliver drama, tactical battles and defining moments as the race for the knockout stage unfolds.

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AFCON

AFCON 2025 Group B Preview: Heavyweight Egypt Face Hungry Rivals in Tricky Section

Published

2 days ago

December 17, 2025

Kunle Solaja

By Kunle Solaja.

Group B of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, which kicks off in Morocco on Sunday, promises a compelling blend of pedigree, resurgence and ambition as record champions Egypt headline a quartet that also includes former winners South Africa, improving Angola and determined outsiders Zimbabwe.

Matches in the group will be staged across Agadir and Marrakech, with the early fixtures expected to offer clear signals of which teams are best prepared for the long road ahead.

Fixtures (Kick-off times GMT)

Dec 22 (17:00) – Agadir: Egypt v Zimbabwe
Dec 22 (19:30) – Marrakech: Angola v South Africa
Dec 26 (17:00) – Agadir: Egypt v South Africa
Dec 26 (19:30) – Marrakech: Angola v Zimbabwe
Dec 29 (19:30) – Agadir: Angola v Egypt
Dec 29 (19:30) – Marrakech: South Africa v Zimbabwe

Egypt: Continental Royalty with Eyes on an Eighth Crown

No team carries more history into the Africa Cup of Nations than Egypt. Making a record 26th appearance at the finals, the Pharaohs are chasing an unprecedented eighth title to add to their triumphs in 1957, 1959, 1986, 1998 and their historic treble between 2006 and 2010.

Ranked 34th in the world, Egypt qualified comfortably under legendary former striker Hossam Hassan, who famously finished as joint top scorer when the Pharaohs won the 1998 AFCON. His squad blends domestic dominance with elite European experience, led by Liverpool talisman Mohamed Salah, Manchester City’s Omar Marmoush and Nantes striker Mostafa Mohamed.

With a strong Al Ahly and Zamalek core providing defensive solidity and midfield control, Egypt are widely expected to top the group — but past tournaments have shown that reputation alone guarantees nothing.

South Africa: Former Champions Seeking a New Identity

South Africa returns for their 11th AFCON appearance, still searching for a second title to follow their fairytale triumph as hosts in 1996. Ranked 61st globally, Bafana Bafana topped their qualifying group ahead of Uganda and Congo, suggesting renewed consistency under Belgian coach Hugo Broos.

Bafana Bafana celebrate winning their send-off match to Morocco 2025. Photo: Daniel Hlongwane/Gallo Images

The squad features a blend of local league strength and overseas influence, with Burnley forward Lyle Foster offering pace and power up front. Midfield leader Teboho Mokoena and goalkeeper Ronwen Williams anchor a team that prides itself on structure and discipline.

South Africa’s opening clash with Angola and the subsequent showdown with Egypt could define their campaign.

Angola: Quiet Progress and Growing Belief

Angola arrive in Morocco with growing confidence after steady improvement over the past decade. Making their ninth AFCON appearance, the Palancas Negras have reached the quarter-finals three times, most recently in 2023.

Coached by France’s Patrice Beaumelle, Angola surprised many by finishing top of a qualifying group that included Ghana. Their squad boasts a solid European presence, with defenders Clinton Mata and David Carmo providing experience, while attackers like Gelson Dala, Zito Luvumbo and Mbala Nzola offer speed and creativity.

Ranked 89th in the world, Angola are seen as dangerous floaters capable of unsettling the more fancied sides.

Zimbabwe: Underdogs with Resilience and Pride

Zimbabwe complete the Group B line-up as clear underdogs but with a reputation for resilience. The Warriors are making their sixth appearance at the finals and are still seeking to progress beyond the group stage.

Ranked 129th globally, Zimbabwe qualified as runners-up behind Cameroon, relying on discipline and unity rather than star power. Coach Mario Marinica has assembled a squad mixing domestic players with experienced professionals abroad, including Marvelous Nakamba, Knowledge Musona and Teenage Hadebe.

While progression will be a major challenge, Zimbabwe will aim to frustrate their opponents and capitalise on any slip-ups.

Group B Outlook

Group B pits Africa’s most successful nation against former champions and ambitious challengers. Egypt’s pedigree makes them favourites, but South Africa’s experience, Angola’s momentum and Zimbabwe’s fighting spirit ensure there will be no easy matches.

With key encounters spread between Agadir and Marrakech, Group B promises intensity, tactical battles and the kind of unpredictability that has long defined the Africa Cup of Nations.

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