With just ten days to the kickoff of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco’s National Airports Office (ONDA) has confirmed that all airport platforms across the Kingdom are fully prepared to receive teams, officials and thousands of supporters expected for the continental football showpiece.

In a statement released this week, ONDA said Moroccan airports will play a central role in the smooth staging of AFCON 2025, working in close coordination with the Local Organising Committee and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to ensure optimal reception conditions throughout the tournament.

According to the airport authority, more than a year of intensive human and material investments has gone into the preparations. These include expanded passenger-handling capacity, modernised infrastructure, streamlined passenger journeys and the upskilling of operational teams to meet the demands of a major international sporting event.

ONDA added that preparations have been carried out in close collaboration with key national institutions, including the Ministry of the Interior, the General Directorate of National Security (DGSN), the Royal Gendarmerie, Customs, and the Ministry of Transport and Logistics. The coordinated approach, it said, will ensure efficiency, safety and fluidity as visitors arrive from across Africa and beyond.

Airports serving AFCON host cities have already activated enhanced organisational measures to manage the anticipated surge in passenger traffic. These include clearly marked orientation zones, multilingual signage, dedicated assistance teams and continuous operational monitoring, all aimed at delivering a smooth, welcoming and secure arrival experience from the moment visitors land in Morocco.

Beyond logistics, ONDA noted that AFCON 2025 represents an opportunity to showcase the strength and maturity of Morocco’s national aviation ecosystem and to further consolidate the Kingdom’s position as a major air transport hub on the African continent.

As part of the build-up to the tournament, ONDA also unveiled an institutional promotional film under the slogan “Welcome Football, Welcome Fans.” The campaign is designed to immerse travellers in the festive spirit of AFCON as soon as they arrive.

The film serves as the centrepiece of a broader immersive experience now being rolled out at Moroccan airports, featuring monumental welcome arches, oversized trophy displays, illuminated tunnels and interactive fan zones. The installations are intended to transform airports into vibrant gateways that reflect the energy and celebration associated with Africa’s premier football competition.

ONDA said its ambition for AFCON 2025 goes beyond facilitating border entry. “The objective is to offer a first emotion, a first memory and a first celebration,” the statement noted, positioning the airport experience as a prelude to the football festival set to ignite the continent when the tournament begins later this month.

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Nigeria’s head coach, Eric Sékou Chelle, has unveiled a 28-man squad for the 35th Africa Cup of Nations, with the three-time African champions set to begin their campaign in Morocco in just 10 days.

Chelle has kept faith with several of Nigeria’s established stars, naming Stanley Nwabali as first-choice goalkeeper along with defenders Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Zaidu Sanusi, midfielders Wilfred Ndidi and Frank Onyeka, and attacking duo Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman. They headline a group that blends experience with fresh talent.

The Franco-Malian tactician also included Chidozie Awaziem, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Raphael Onyedika, Samuel Chukwueze, and Simon Moses.

There is a recall for Francis Uzoho, now based in Cyprus, as well as defender Igoh Ogbu and striker Paul Onuachu.

Five players earned their maiden invitation to the Super Eagles: England-based right-back Ryan Alebiosu, midfielders Usman Muhammed, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Tochukwu Nnadi, and Croatian-based forward Salim Fago Lawal.

The Super Eagles are scheduled to play a high-profile friendly against Egypt’s Pharaohs on Tuesday, 16 December, at the Cairo International Stadium. The match will provide Chelle a final opportunity to assess his squad before the team departs Cairo aboard a chartered flight to Fès, where they will contest their Group C matches.

Nigeria opens their campaign against the Taifa Stars of Tanzania on 23 December, before facing Tunisia on 27 December and completing group action against Uganda on 30 December.

Nigeria’s 28-Man Squad for AFCON 2025 (Morocco)

Goalkeepers:
Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania); Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC, Cyprus)

Defenders:
Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Semi Ajayi (Hull City, England); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England); Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece); Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes FC, France); Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal); Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic); Ryan Alebiosu (Blackburn Rovers, England)

Midfielders:
Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England); Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England); Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC, Turkey); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Tochukwu Nnadi (Zulte Waregem, Belgium); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (SS Lazio, Italy); Ebenezer Akinsanmiro (Pisa SC, Italy); Usman Muhammed (Ironi Tiberias, Israel)

Forwards:
Ademola Lookman (Atalanta BC, Italy); Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham FC, England); Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey); Simon Moses (Paris FC, France); Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla FC, Spain); Akor Adams (Sevilla FC, Spain); Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor AS, Turkey); Cyriel Dessers (Panathinaikos FC, Greece); Salim Fago Lawal (NK Istra 1961, Croatia)

The Super Eagles will be aiming to win their fourth continental crown, 11 years after their last triumph in South Africa.

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Tunisia have released their 28-man squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, meaning all Group C teams except Nigeria have now named their players for the tournament, which begins on December 21 in Morocco.

Veteran left back Ali Maaloul is among the headline inclusions. The 35-year-old, set to make his fifth AFCON appearance, returns to the Tunisia fold after almost two years out before earning a recall for a friendly last month and subsequently featuring in the Arab Cup in Qatar.

Maaloul, a four-time African Champions League winner, is joined by fellow experienced international Ferjani Sassi, the 33-year-old midfielder who could reach 100 caps if he plays in all three group-stage matches. Coach Sami Trabelsi named the squad on Thursday, leaning heavily on experience as Tunisia prepare for their record-extending 17th straight AFCON finals.

With Uganda and Tanzania having already announced their squads, Tunisia’s confirmation means Nigeria are now the only team in Group C yet to unveil their final list.

Tunisia open their campaign against Uganda on December 23 in Rabat, followed by a crucial second match against Nigeria, before rounding off the group phase against Tanzania.

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