Nigeria’s Super Eagles have arrived in Fés, Morocco, to begin their campaign at the 35th Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), with hopes firmly set on lifting a fourth continental title.
The team touched down on Thursday evening aboard a chartered flight from Cairo, where they held their final training camp, marking the start of a renewed push for African glory as the tournament officially kicked off on Sunday.
Three-time champions Nigeria—winners in 1980, 1994, and 2013—will open their Group C campaign against Tanzania’s Taifa Stars on Tuesday in the historic city of Fés. Beyond silverware, the Super Eagles are also driven by a desire to restore national pride following their failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States.
The squad heads into the tournament under new leadership following the retirement of former captain William Troost-Ekong shortly before the team’s departure for camp. Midfield enforcer Wilfred Ndidi has been handed the captain’s armband, with experienced internationals Moses Simon, Alex Iwobi, and star striker Victor Osimhen named as possible vice-captains.
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According to a statement from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the opening ceremony held on Sunday at the Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat featured a performance by global music star Davido. The ceremony was followed by the tournament’s opening fixture between hosts Morocco and Comoros, as the Atlas Lions began their title chase on home soil.
History may also favour Nigeria, who claimed their maiden AFCON title 45 years ago with a victory over Tanzania in their opening match of the 1980 finals. The Super Eagles will be hoping for a similarly strong start ahead of tougher group encounters against Tunisia on Saturday, December 27, and Uganda on Tuesday, December 30.
Head coach Eric Chelle, speaking to CAFOnline.com ahead of the tournament, acknowledged the pressure that comes with managing Nigeria.
“When you coach Nigeria, you are expected to win everything,” Chelle said, a reality made even more pressing by the disappointment of missing out on World Cup qualification.
Tanzania, coached by Nigerian football legend and 1994 AFCON winner Emmanuel Amuneke, are making only their fourth appearance at the tournament and their second consecutive outing after featuring in Côte d’Ivoire. The Taifa Stars are yet to record a win in AFCON history, having drawn three and lost six of their nine matches.
Tunisia, meanwhile, remain one of the continent’s most consistent sides. Morocco 2025 marks their 17th consecutive AFCON appearance and 21st overall. The Carthage Eagles won their only title on home soil in 2004 and have played 83 AFCON matches, recording 25 wins, 30 draws, and 28 defeats—two of which came at the hands of Nigeria in 2000 and 2019.
