AFCON
Mohammed V National Theatre turns AFCON theatre of dreams
The iconic Mohammed V National Theatre in Rabat, Morocco, has been transformed into a dazzling hub of African football as it prepares to host the Final Draw for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 on Monday.
The much-anticipated event, scheduled for Monday, 27 January, at 19h00 local time (18h00 GMT), will unveil the group stage opponents for the 24 participating nations.
Branding for the competition now adorns the theatre’s elegant exterior, blending modernity with Moroccan heritage.
Posters, logos, and the vibrant colours of TotalEnergies CAF AFCON 2025 have draped the building, ensuring it fully embodies the spirit of the continent’s most prestigious football tournament.
A Symbol of Elegance and Culture
Inaugurated in 1961 by King Hassan II, the Mohammed V National Theatre stands as a jewel of Moroccan architecture and culture.
Located in the heart of Rabat, the venue has been meticulously prepared for the draw, reflecting the rich history and cultural pride of its surroundings.
The theatre will also host musical segments led by Moroccan producer RedOne, adding a cultural flair to the night’s proceedings.
Anticipation Grips Rabat
The city of Rabat has embraced the TotalEnergies AFCON fever, with an electrifying atmosphere spreading across its streets.
Residents and visitors alike are eagerly anticipating the draw, which will be attended by national team coaches, African football legends, and dignitaries.
Rabat, a coastal gem with a population of 1.8 million, is no stranger to hosting global events, further cementing its status as a key hub for African football.
A Star-Studded Event
The Final Draw will feature a gathering of football royalty. Coaches such as Côte d’Ivoire’s Emerse Faé, Senegal’s Pape Bouna Thiaw, and Algeria’s Vladimir Petković are among the over 20 national team coaches expected.
Adding to the glamour, African legends including Rigobert Song, Essam El Hadary, and Mustapha Hadji will lend their gravitas to the occasion.
What to Expect
The draw will divide the 24 teams into six groups of four, with the top two teams and the four best third-placed sides advancing to the knockout rounds.
Fans worldwide can follow the ceremony live via CAF’s social media platforms and partner broadcasters, as Rabat takes centre stage for this pivotal moment in African football history.
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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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