AFCON
Morocco gears up for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations
Morocco is setting the stage for an unforgettable 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), with preparations reaching fever pitch, four days before the Final Draw is held in Rabat on Monday.
Known for its rich football heritage and proven track record in hosting global events, the North African nation is ready to deliver a spectacular showcase of African football.
A Legacy of World-Class Stadiums
Morocco boasts a collection of state-of-the-art stadiums that have hosted prestigious tournaments, including FIFA World Cup qualifiers and the FIFA Club World Cup.
The iconic Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca, set to play a central role in AFCON 2025, is steeped in history, having hosted the 1988 AFCON final.
In Rabat, the Moulay Abdellah Stadium is undergoing expansion to increase its capacity, ensuring fans have an unparalleled viewing experience.
The Ibn Batouta Stadium in Tangier and the Marrakech Stadium are poised to host crucial matches, offering modern amenities and vibrant atmospheres.
Further south, the Adrar Stadium in Agadir combines cutting-edge facilities with breathtaking surroundings, making it a fan favourite.
Seamless Travel and Accommodation
Morocco’s impressive infrastructure ensures smooth travel and convenience for fans.
With a robust network of international airports in cities like Casablanca, Rabat, and Marrakech, fans from across the globe can easily reach the host cities.
Major airlines, including Royal Air Maroc, facilitate seamless connectivity.
The country’s advanced train system, featuring the high-speed Al Boraq line, links key cities, making inter-city travel both fast and comfortable.
An extensive network of highways and public transportation further supports efficient mobility.
Fans can also look forward to a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly stays, ensuring comfort for all visitors.
A Proven Host for Global Football
Morocco’s hosting of the 2018 African Nations Championship (CHAN), the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, and the FIFA Club World Cup in 2023 underscores its expertise in organizing world-class tournaments.
The country’s football infrastructure and passionate fan base have made it a natural choice for AFCON 2025 and a joint host for the FIFA 2030 World Cup with Portugal and Spain.
The Road to December 2025
The 2025 AFCON will see 24 teams from across the continent compete for glory, with Morocco’s Atlas Lions leading the charge as the host nation.
Following their historic performance at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where they became the first African team to reach the semi-finals, Morocco is determined to set a new benchmark for African football tournaments.
A Celebration of African Football
Scheduled to run from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, the 2025 AFCON promises to be a celebration of African talent, culture, and unity.
With its world-class facilities, unparalleled hospitality, and a nation united by a passion for football, Morocco is ready to deliver the 2025 AFCON that will resonate across the continent and beyond.
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AFCON
Nigerians, other nationals can apply, as CAF and Morocco Launch Volunteer Programme for AFCON 2025
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the Local Organising Committee (LOC) in Morocco have launched the official Volunteer Programme for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025, billed to run from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026.
According to CAF, more than 4,000 volunteers will be recruited to play a central role in ensuring the success of Africa’s most prestigious football tournament, which will be staged across six cities and nine stadiums in Morocco.
Applications are now open at volunteers.cafonline.com and will close on 8 October 2025. The opportunity is open to anyone above the age of 18.
Volunteers will be deployed across multiple functional areas, including media operations, spectator services, accreditation, hospitality, and fan engagement. Selected individuals will receive professional training ahead of the competition and work behind the scenes to deliver a memorable AFCON.
CAF stated that the programme is designed not only to support tournament operations but also to create an alumni network of skilled Africans who can contribute to future sporting events across the continent. Successful applicants will benefit from:
- Training and skill development.
- Official uniforms and certificates of participation.
- Networking opportunities with peers and professionals.
- The chance to contribute to Africa’s football legacy.
Volunteer registration opened on 17 September 2025. Selection and training will take place in October and November, with operations commencing in mid-December through to the tournament’s conclusion on 18 January 2026.
CAF described the initiative as an “exciting opportunity” for Africans to contribute to the growth of the continent’s flagship sporting event, which is expected to draw millions of visitors to Morocco.
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AFCON
CAF Security Chief, Nigeria’s Emeruwa, Leads Inspection of Tangier Stadium Ahead of Major Tournaments
Nigeria’s Dr. Christian Emeruwa, President of the Security and Safety Division of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), on Thursday, September 18, led an inspection visit to the Grand Stade de Tangier as preparations intensify for upcoming continental and global football events.
Emeruwa, who heads CAF’s continental security architecture, was joined by CAF Secretary General Véron Mosengo-Omba, senior Moroccan officials, and executives of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF).
The delegation also included managers of operational companies at the Grand Stade and SONARGES executives.
According to Le 360, the Nigerian official expressed satisfaction with the stadium’s facilities after touring key operational areas, including the main control room with its giant surveillance screen, as well as spectator, player, and VIP access zones.
The inspection was bolstered by the presence of Morocco’s top security and administrative officers—the regional commander of the Royal Gendarmerie, officials of the Auxiliary Forces and Civil Protection, the Wali of Security, the governor in charge of Internal Affairs, and representatives of the National Agency for Public Equipment (ANEP).
A technical meeting followed the tour, where engineers presented recent safety and security upgrades. Among the highlights was the planned installation of a FIFA-standard tarpaulin roof to enhance the venue’s compliance with global hosting requirements.
For Nigeria, the spotlight on Dr. Emeruwa underscores the country’s growing influence in African football administration, particularly in the critical areas of safety and security management for CAF competitions.
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Morocco has received 723 high-end buses from Chinese manufacturer Yutong as part of preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which kicks off on December 21.
Yutong said on social media that the fleet “has officially rolled off the production line” and will provide “comprehensive transport services and reliable operational support” during the tournament.
An official handover ceremony was held on Friday at the company’s facility in Zhengzhou, Henan province, attended by Moroccan representatives and Yutong executives.
The buses were designed to cope with Morocco’s terrain and climate, including steep slopes, heat and sandstorms. They feature an independent front axle suspension to navigate narrow city streets and Yutong’s in-house “Blue Core System” for fuel efficiency.
The delivery is the largest single order of Chinese buses in Africa. Yutong will station more than 100 technicians in Morocco to provide training, maintenance and round-the-clock support during AFCON.
The deal is part of Morocco’s broader transport strategy, which includes plans to purchase 7,000 new buses by 2030—half of them electric—as the country prepares to co-host the 2030 World Cup with Spain and Portugal.
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