AFCON
AFCON 2025: Tunisia Coach Samy Trabelsi Eyes Top Four — But Nigeria Stands in His Way
As the countdown to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco gathers pace, Tunisia’s head coach Samy Trabelsi has set his sights on nothing less than a semi-final finish — a target that could put him on a collision course with Nigeria’s Super Eagles, one of their group opponents.
The Carthage Eagles have arrived at the tournament with a fearsome record: 22 goals scored and none conceded during their World Cup qualifying campaign.
That run has made Tunisia one of the continent’s form teams — and, on paper, one of the toughest nuts for Nigeria to crack in Group C, which also features Uganda and Tanzania.
Trabelsi, who previously led Tunisia at the 2013 AFCON and was a losing finalist as a player in 1996, says his team is no longer content with just participating.
“We’re not here to send messages to anyone,” he told CAFOnline.com. “We respect all our opponents, including Nigeria, but our goal is to compete seriously and aim for a top-four finish — and, if possible, more.”
The 56-year-old coach, who once guided Tunisia to the African Nations Championship (CHAN) title in 2011, has built his side around defensive organisation and swift, structured counterattacks. His approach has earned Tunisia the nickname “the Italians of Africa”, a reputation they intend to reinforce in Morocco.
Nigeria, on the other hand, are expected to test that famed Tunisian discipline with their wealth of attacking options, from Victor Osimhen to Ademola Lookman and Samuel Chukwueze. For Trabelsi, however, the Super Eagles’ pedigree only adds to the motivation.
“Nigeria remains a continental powerhouse, with a vast pool of talent in top European clubs,” he said. “But AFCON is unpredictable. You can never take anything for granted.”
The Tunisian tactician is counting on experience and cohesion to make the difference. Veterans like Youssef Msakni, Ellyes Skhiri, and goalkeeper Bechir Ben Said are expected to anchor a squad blending youth and experience.
“To win trophies, you need something extra,” Trabelsi admitted. “Tunisia has been consistent — qualifying for almost every AFCON and several World Cups — but consistency must now translate into success.”
For Nigeria’s Super Eagles, who are seeking to reclaim the continental crown last won in 2013, Tunisia’s resurgence is both a warning and a challenge.
The two nations have developed a fierce rivalry over the years, with Tunisia famously knocking Nigeria out of the 2004 AFCON on penalties in Rades, before Nigeria exacted revenge in later editions.
This time, both teams meet again in Morocco — in a group that could easily produce surprises. Yet, for Trabelsi, the message remains clear: Tunisia are in Morocco not just to compete, but to win.
“I’d love to see the headline, ‘Congratulations to Tunisia — a strong campaign rewarded,’” he said confidently.
Whether that headline comes to pass may depend on how his “Italians of Africa” handle the pace, flair, and firepower of Nigeria’s Super Eagles — a team equally determined to soar back to the top of African football.
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By Kunle Solaja.
Exactly 50 days to the kick-off of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, the Royal Air Maroc (RAM) has unveiled a specially branded aircraft in the vibrant colours of the competition. It is a special way of celebrating the Kingdom’s role as host of Africa’s biggest football event.
The unveiling ceremony took place on Saturday, marking a symbolic milestone ahead of the tournament, which will run from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.
“Our aircraft proudly displays the colours of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025, through a special livery — a symbol of pride, passion, and unity,” the airline stated.
“From the pitch to the sky, Royal Air Maroc carries the spirit of African football.” In anticipation of a surge in travel during the competition, Royal Air Maroc announced a major boost in its flight operations, with more than 660 additional flights planned over the tournament period.
This extensive mobilization is designed to facilitate the smooth transportation of supporters, teams, officials, and media representatives between Morocco’s six host cities — Casablanca, Rabat, Tangier, Marrakech, Agadir, and Fez — all of which are preparing to welcome visitors in a festive, football-inspired atmosphere.
The launch of the AFCON-themed aircraft comes as part of a strategic partnership signed in April 2025 between the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and Royal Air Maroc, under which the national carrier was named the Official Global Partner of CAF’s major competitions.
This collaboration underscores RAM’s growing role as a key ambassador of Moroccan hospitality and a pan-African brand committed to supporting the continent’s premier sporting events.
With its AFCON-themed livery soaring across the skies, Royal Air Maroc seeks to embody Morocco’s passion for football, commitment to excellence, and readiness to host Africa in what promises to be a spectacular celebration of sport and unity.
As the countdown to AFCON Morocco 2025 continues, the airline’s message is clear:
“From the pitch to the sky, Morocco is ready to welcome Africa.”
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Next month’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 is already shaping up to be one of the most anticipated sporting events on the continent, with strong global ticket sales reported in the first two phases of release.
According to figures from the Confederation of African Football (CAF), fans from across the world have rushed to secure their seats for Africa’s premier football competition, which will take place in nine stadiums across six host cities from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026.
While ticket demand has been high across Africa, France has emerged as the leading market outside the continent, with an impressive 109,237 tickets sold so far — a figure that underscores the country’s deep-rooted connection to African football. Belgium (7,046) and the Netherlands (5,958) round out the top three, followed by the United Kingdom (5,127) and Canada (3,849).
The rest of the top ten includes Germany (3,056), Switzerland (1,714), the United States (1,245), Spain (1,193) and Italy (970).
CAF officials said the global enthusiasm demonstrates the event’s growing international appeal. “Fans from around the world are eager to be part of one of football’s most vibrant and celebrated tournaments,” the organization said in a statement.
The 2025 edition marks Morocco’s first time hosting AFCON since 1988. The North African nation — which is also set to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup — is preparing to showcase both its football passion and its reputation as a premier tourist destination.
To attend matches, supporters must register for a mandatory Fan ID, available through the Yalla App on Google Play and the Apple App Store. The Fan ID system is designed to simplify the entire fan journey, from stadium entry to visa facilitation, ensuring a smooth and secure experience for both local and international visitors.
Fans are encouraged to complete their Fan ID registration early to guarantee quicker access when the next phase of ticket sales opens.
How to get your Fan ID:
- Download the Yalla App on Google Play or the App Store.
- Apply for your Fan ID and E-Visa/AEVM (if required) directly in the app.
- Once approved, visit tickets.cafonline.com to purchase your AFCON Morocco 2025 tickets.
With anticipation building and global fans securing their places early, Morocco 2025 is on track to deliver a festival of football that celebrates the spirit and unity of the African game.
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By Kunle Solaja
The Organizing Committee for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 has expanded access to ticket sales, allowing nationals from Egypt, Tunisia, South Africa, and Zambia to apply using a new manual registration system.
Beginning today, October 28, 2025, at 12:30 PM (CET), fans from these countries — whose citizens do not possess biometric passports — can now use the manual data entry option on the official YALLA app, the gateway for all AFCON ticketing and travel formalities.
“This measure reflects our commitment to inclusivity and to making the AFCON experience accessible to all African fans,” the Organizing Committee stated.
The YALLA app now allows applicants to manually enter their data to obtain both a Fan ID and an Electronic Visa (eVisa/AEVM) — both mandatory before purchasing match tickets.
Each Fan ID entitles its holder to purchase one ticket per match, and no tickets will be sold without prior Fan ID registration.
Tickets are available exclusively through CAF Official Ticketing Website: https://tickets.cafonline.com and YALLA Fan ID Portal: https://www.yallamorocco.ma
“Any other website or app claiming to sell tickets is fraudulent and must not be used,” the committee warned. To support fans navigating the registration and ticketing process, the organizers have launched a dedicated 24-hour customer service line.
The hotline is +212 5 30 30 20 30. . It operates in three languages (Arabic, English, and French) and is operated by a dedicated team working 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to answer inquiries and assist users.
A trained support team is on standby to assist users with Fan ID registration, visa processing, and ticket inquiries.
The Organizing Committee expressed gratitude to fans, delegations, and media partners for their enthusiasm and cooperation ahead of what is expected to be one of the most technologically advanced editions of the tournament.
“We reaffirm our commitment to ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for all supporters attending AFCON Morocco 2025,” the statement concluded.
The ticketing update marks another milestone in Morocco’s preparation for hosting Africa’s biggest football event, continuing its reputation for organizational excellence and fan-friendly innovation.
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