Morocco defeated Jordan 3-2 after extra time to claim the Arab Cup on Thursday thanks to two goals from Abderrazzaq Hamed Allah following a stunning long-range strike from Oussama Tannane.
Morocco opened the scoring after four minutes when Tannane’s audacious shot from the centre circle caught advancing goalkeeper Yazeed Abulaila off guard.
Jordan, set to make their World Cup debut in 2026, hit back with a second-half double from Ali Olwan’s header and penalty in the 48th and 68th minutes respectively.
But Hamed Allah scored three minutes from the end to force extra time before grabbing the winner from close range.
Morocco enjoyed another success despite missing several Europe-based players ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations.
They became the first African and Arab nation to reach the semi-finals of a World Cup – also in Qatar three years ago – eliminating Spain and Portugal before falling to France.
Morocco were crowned Under-20 world champions in October when they beat Argentina 2-0 in the final to become the first Arab nation to lift the trophy.
The under-17 side reached the World Cup quarter-finals, while the under-23 team won the Africa Cup of Nations and a place at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where they took bronze.
Morocco is set to host AFCON from December 21 to January 18.
Nigeria’s hopes of celebrating a double triumph at the 2025 CAF Awards was dashed last night in Rabat, as Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade and Super Eagles forward Victor Osimhen finished as runners-up in Africa’s top individual honours.
Morocco’s Ghizlane Chebbak and Achraf Hakimi claimed the Women’s and Men’s Player of the Year awards respectively, completing a landmark night for Moroccan football.
At the prestigious ceremony held at the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, Chebbak was crowned CAF Women’s Player of the Year, edging out Ajibade and fellow Moroccan star Sanna Mssoudy.
Hakimi later took home the CAF Men’s Player of the Year prize, finishing ahead of Osimhen and Egypt’s Mohamed Salah.
For Ajibade, the night came agonisingly close to a crowning moment. The Nigerian captain delivered one of the finest calendar years of her career—leading the Super Falcons to a record 10th WAFCON title, winning the Player of the Tournament, earning a place in the Team of the Year, and securing a high-profile move to Paris Saint-Germain, where she quickly made her mark with a Champions League goal against Real Madrid.
But Chebbak’s immaculate year proved just enough to tilt the scales. The Moroccan talisman dominated the 2024 WAFCON, winning the Golden Boot with five goals, making the Team of the Tournament, and earning recognition in the FIFA FIFPRO Women’s World 11.
Osimhen—Africa’s 2023 Player of the Year—also fell narrowly short in his quest for a second crown. The Super Eagles star enjoyed a blistering campaign on loan at Galatasaray, where he scored 37 goals and seven assists, powering the Turkish giants to a domestic double. He has continued that form this season, leading the UEFA Champions League scoring chart with six goals.
However, Hakimi’s consistency and success at both club and country level ultimately proved decisive. The Moroccan right-back played a vital role in Paris Saint-Germain’s historic treble—the Champions League, Ligue 1, and French Cup—while contributing nine goals and 12 assists across competitions. As captain of the Atlas Lions, he led Morocco to a flawless World Cup qualifying run, winning all eight matches and securing a direct ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Despite their near misses, Ajibade and Osimhen leave Rabat with their reputations strengthened. Both players delivered world-class performances for club and country throughout 2024–25, reaffirming Nigeria’s standing as a powerhouse in African football. Their remarkable seasons ensure they remain firmly among the continent’s elite—and strong contenders for future honours.
HandyPros Hospitality has unveiled a campaign: Morocco Beyond AFCON, to mobilise Nigerians to cheer Super Eagles at the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco while experiencing the host country’s attractions.
The campaign was launched on Adeola Odeku, Victoria Island, Lagos, with sports commentator, Suo Chapele, TV host, Zzini Ekeh, and comedian, Anita Asuoha (Real Warri Pikin), as lead ambassadors.
Chief Operating Officer of HandyPros Hospitality, Adeleye Ogunwole, said the initiative stemmed from the poor turnout at the last Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final, where less than 200 fans were present to support the Super Falcons.
He said: “Part of our business concern is hospitality. Our plan is to take Nigerians to Morocco. We saw the success of WAFCON and we feel supporting Super Eagles will promote our culture and showing the beauty of Morocco to Nigerians.”
He explained that the company has set aside 2,000 slots for Nigerians to embark on a 10-day trip from December 22. The package, he added, includes watching AFCON matches and visiting tourist sites in Morocco.
“Having 2,000 in the stands will boost the morale of Super Eagles. We can’t underestimate the power of support in football,” Ogunwole stressed, while assuring that security had been put in place in partnership with Moroccans.
Founder, Folorunso Egbekunle, also said the company is discussing with NFF and the sports commission, both of which endorsed the initiative.
“Nigeria has a total of 2,000 slots for the tournament, and we are not just selling tickets. We are providing a structured experience. The NFF is happy about the initiative, and we are ready to deliver,” Egbekunle said.
The organisers said the Morocco Beyond AFCON campaign will not only promote Nigerian football culture abroad but also encourage fans to explore tourism opportunities, creating “an experience of two worlds.”
The Super Falcons emerged champions of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after pulling off a stunning second-half comeback to defeat hosts Morocco in a pulsating final.
The Moroccans had taken a 2-0 lead in the first half, capitalizing on early momentum and a roaring home crowd at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
But the Nigerians, showing the grit and pedigree that has made them the most successful team in the tournament’s history, roared back after the break.
A spirited second-half display saw the Super Falcons flip the script in dramatic fashion, scoring twice to silence the home fans and reclaim the continental crown.
With this victory, Nigeria completes the 10th WAFCON title.
Tourism in Africa continues to grow steadily, showcasing the continent’s diverse appeal to travellers worldwide. From the ancient wonders of Egypt to the vibrant markets of Morocco and the stunning safaris of East and Southern Africa, millions of tourists are exploring what the continent has to offer.
In 2024, Africa recorded significant growth in international arrivals, with some countries experiencing a sharp rise in visitor numbers compared to 2023.
This upward trend highlights Africa’s increasing global appeal, boosted by improved infrastructure, enhanced digital connectivity, targeted marketing campaigns, and a growing appetite for cultural, adventure, and eco-tourism experiences.
North African countries like Morocco, Egypt, and Tunisia continue to dominate the rankings, driven by a combination of historical landmarks, Mediterranean coastlines, and accessibility for European travellers.
At the same time, East and Southern African nations such as Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, and Zimbabwe remain top picks for nature enthusiasts and safari lovers.
This list breaks down the most visited African countries in both 2023 and 2024, showing year-on-year changes and shedding light on the continent’s evolving tourism landscape. Whether you’re a travel enthusiast, investor, or policymaker, understanding these trends can help you see which destinations are rising and why.
Here are the African countries that attracted the most tourists in 2024
1. Morocco – 17.4 million tourists
Morocco topped the chart in 2024, thanks to its rich culture, historic cities, and scenic landscapes.
2. Egypt – 15.7 million tourists
Egypt remained a global favourite for its ancient pyramids, Nile cruises, and Red Sea resorts.
3. Tunisia – 10.25 million tourists
Tourists flocked to Tunisia for its Mediterranean beaches and Roman ruins.
4. South Africa – 8.92 million tourists
Wildlife safaris, wine tours, and Cape Town’s beauty kept South Africa in high demand.
5. Algeria – 3.5 million tourists
Algeria’s unique mix of desert landscapes and historical sites attracted growing interest.
6. Kenya – 2.4 million tourists
Kenya continued to draw visitors with its iconic savannahs and coastal experiences.
7. Tanzania – 2.14 million tourists
Serengeti safaris and Mount Kilimanjaro boosted Tanzania’s numbers.
8. Zimbabwe – 1.55 million tourists
Victoria Falls and national parks kept Zimbabwe on the tourism map.
9. Mauritius – 1.382 million tourists
Luxury resorts and pristine beaches made Mauritius a top island destination.
10. Uganda – 1.372 million tourists
Gorilla trekking and eco-tourism gave Uganda a solid spot in the top 10.
11. Cape Verde – 1.2 million tourists
This island nation charmed visitors with its beaches, music, and volcanic terrain.
Africa’s Most Visited Countries – 2023
1. Egypt – 14.9 million tourists
Egypt led the continent in 2023 with its timeless archaeological appeal.
2. Morocco – 14.5 million tourists
Morocco remained a traveller favourite, particularly among European visitors.
3. Tunisia – 9 million tourists
Tunisia maintained strong tourist numbers with its blend of culture and coast.
4. South Africa – 8.5 million tourists
A go-to for adventure and leisure seekers from around the world.
5. Algeria – 3.3 million tourists
Algeria’s numbers grew steadily as tourism slowly opened up.
6. Tanzania – 1.797 million tourists
National parks and Zanzibar continued to attract global travellers.
7. Kenya – 1.75 million tourists
Safari lovers and beachgoers kept Kenya busy in 2023.
8. Zimbabwe – 1.6 million tourists
Consistent interest in natural wonders like Victoria Falls drove visits.
9. Rwanda – 1.4 million tourists
Known for clean cities and gorilla tourism, Rwanda drew eco-conscious travellers.
10. Mauritius – 1.3 million tourists
A high-end beach destination with strong international appeal.
The expected fireworks and entertainment were nowhere to be seen as Nigeria and Morocco settled for a drab stalemate in their second match of the CAF U20 Cup of Nations in Cairo.
Midfielder Divine Oliseh’s first-half effort was the only notable opportunity created by the seven-time champions last night, and they must now fight for a win against Kenya’s Rising Stars on Wednesday’s evening to be certain of a place in the quarter finals.
The draw took both teams to four points, but the Lion Cubs take the first position as a result of having scored more goals – they defeated Kenya 3-2 in an explosive game on Thursday night.
Second-placed Nigeria will square up to the bottom-placed Kenyans while the two North African teams try each other for size as group B’s attrition winds up on Wednesday.
Tunisia, who lost 0-1 to Nigeria on the opening day of group B, trounced Kenya 3-1 in the first match of the day at the 30 June Air Defence Stadium, to stay in the third position with three points. Kenya’s Rising Stars remain pointless.
Morocco has launched the second phase of its high-speed rail network, extending the existing line from the city of Kénitra to Marrakech. With an investment of nearly $10 billion (96 billion dirhams), the project continues to position Morocco as the only African country with an operational high-speed rail system, and one of the few actively expanding such infrastructure.
The launch, which took place on April 24 at Rabat-Agdal station, was led by King Mohammed VI. The extension adds 430 kilometres of new track and is designed to improve travel between Rabat, Casablanca, and Marrakech — three major cities with economic and administrative importance. The new service will reduce travel time from Tangier to Marrakech to under three hours, compared to nearly five currently.
The line will also connect key infrastructure including Rabat-Salé Airport, Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca, and the planned Benslimane stadium. Trains on this line are built to operate at speeds up to 350 km/h.
National transport plan includes additional train procurement and new urban networks
The high-speed line is part of a broader national rail strategy that includes the purchase of 168 new trains. The government plans to allocate 18 of these to the extended high-speed line, 40 to intercity routes, 60 to rapid suburban rail services, and 50 to metropolitan transit networks in Rabat, Casablanca, and Marrakech.
This expansion of the train fleet is expected to help manage rising demand in the coming decade and modernize the national railway operator’s aging rolling stock. Morocco’s long-term goal is to improve regional transport access, increase efficiency, and reduce congestion in urban corridors.
A significant part of the strategy includes domestic production. According to official plans, more than 40% of train manufacturing will take place locally. This will involve the creation of a new production facility and a joint venture responsible for long-term maintenance. Authorities anticipate that the project will support several thousand direct and indirect jobs and contribute to skills development in the railway sector.
The government has described this industrial element as key to strengthening Morocco’s technical self- sufficiency while reducing reliance on imported rolling stock and maintenance services.
Infrastructure developments extend beyond national borders
Morocco’s investment in rail forms part of a wider infrastructure approach that includes road, port, renewable energy, and digital sectors. While the high-speed rail project is primarily focused on domestic mobility, it reflects a broader pattern of infrastructure-led development also visible in cross-border initiatives.
One example is the planned Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline — a transcontinental project aimed at linking Nigerian gas to markets in North Africa and Europe. Though unrelated to the rail expansion, it underscores Morocco’s strategy of connecting regional economies through large-scale infrastructure.
The project will free up capacity on conventional rail lines, allowing for the expansion of suburban commuter services in key urban areas. These new networks are designed to address public transport gaps in cities like Casablanca and Rabat, where road traffic and pollution remain challenges.
Electric rail expansion is also part of Morocco’s environmental agenda. The country has invested heavily in solar and wind energy in recent years and continues to pursue targets under the Paris Climate Agreement. Rail, as an energy-efficient mode of transport, is seen as a way to contribute to lower national emissions.
Project reflects long-term planning approach
The success of Morocco’s high-speed rail programme is due in part to consistent long-term planning and phased implementation. The Al Boraq line, which runs from Tangier to Kénitra, became operational in 2018 and was the first of its kind in Africa. The current expansion to Marrakech builds on that foundation and reflects a policy direction that has remained steady over the past decade.
The implementation of this second phase also strengthens connections between Morocco’s industrial north and tourism-focused south, contributing to economic cohesion. At the same time, Morocco is increasingly offering rail consultancy and expertise to other African countries exploring similar developments.
While each country faces distinct infrastructure challenges, Morocco’s experience with rail development may provide useful reference points for other African nations pursuing integrated, long-term transport strategies.
The Union of Nigerian Bilateral Education Agreement Scholars (UNBEAS) has appealed to the Federal Government on payment of its stipends for students studying abroad under the Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) scholarship.
They appealed to Tinubu-led administration to help in the payment of outstanding stipends from September to December 2023, and the full supplementation shortfall from March to August 2023.
The BEA scholarship is for the purpose of education exchange between Nigeria and the partnering countries.
The Federal Scholarship Board is supervising the scholarship under the Federal Ministry of Education.
The scholars are owed for several months with a number of them confirming to our correspondent that they had resorted to taking loans to survive.
In 2024, the Federal Ministry of Education announced a slash in allowances for foreign scholars, attributing the allowance cut to economic crises.
In a statement titled: “An Urgent Appeal To The Nigerian Government: BEA Scholars Are Suffering”, they said: “We are not just students; we are young Nigerians sent abroad as ambassadors of our great nation, with the promise of financial support from the government. Today, that promise has been broken, leaving thousands of us in unbearable conditions.
“For years, we have endured the hardship of delayed supposed monthly payments, but the crisis escalated in 2023, when the first major deficit occurred.
“Scholars were paid for the period of January to August 2023, but even in that disbursement, there was a shortfall exceeding two months’ worth of stipends due to exchange rate fluctuations.
“To date, we have not received the payment for September to December 2023, leaving many struggling to survive. In 2024, the situation worsened. After enduring over a year and two months of financial suffering, scholars finally received another stipend payment in September 2024.
“However, rather than receiving full arrears, we were informed, only at the time of payment, that our stipends had been “adjusted” by over 56%, from $500 to $220.
“We were told that even top civil servants in Nigeria do not earn that much under the current exchange rate, as though that is our fault.
“This ignores the fact that our stipend has always remained the same in foreign countries, which are also experiencing inflation. Some of us are orphans.
“Most of us come from struggling families. With the economic realities in Nigeria, our parents—civil servants, teachers, or traders, can no longer support us.
“In Morocco, where there is no adequate government-provided accommodation, students depend entirely on stipends to pay rent, even though their accommodation is supposed to have been taken care of.
“Many have been evicted from rented apartments, while others went without food for days. Scholars in Russia, Algeria, China, Venezuela, and Hungary face similar conditions. Some have fallen ill due to hunger, but they cannot afford hospital bills. Others battle depression and anxiety, struggling to focus on their education.
“The FSB has now informed us that the earliest we can expect any stipend payment is mid-year (around June or July) 2025, with no guarantee that the outstanding stipends from September–December 2023, or even the full entitlements of 2024, will ever be paid.
“We appeal to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Assembly, and all concerned government agencies to recognize the severity of this crisis. We are not asking for luxury; we are pleading for survival.
“We humbly request: 1. Immediate payment of all outstanding stipends from September to December 2023, and the full supplementation shortfall from March to August 2023.
“2. Timely payment of all stipends for 2025 to prevent further hardship.
“3. Restoration of the full $500 stipend, as $220 is grossly inadequate to cover basic living expenses. We call on the media, civil society organizations, and every compassionate Nigerian to amplify this appeal.
“We do not wish to protest; we do not wish to beg. We only ask the government to fulfil its obligation before more lives are lost to hunger, sickness, and despair.”
African leaders bagged honours in difference categories at the 14th African Leadership Magazine (ALM) Persons of the Year 2025 ceremony in Casablanca, Morocco.
A statement by Director General Media and Publicity to Kano State Government Sunusi Bature DawakinTofa said:
“This recognition highlights Governor Yusuf’s exceptional leadership in promoting transparency, accountability, and inclusive governance.
“His administration’s reforms in education, infrastructure, healthcare, and economic development have positioned Kano State as a model of good governance in Africa.
“Represented by his Special Adviser on State Affairs, Alhaji Usman Bala, who is a former head of service, the governor dedicated the award to the good people of Kano state, emphasizing their pivotal role in driving progress.
“According to the African Leadership Magazine, under his leadership, Kano has achieved significant milestones, including allocating over 31% of the state budget to education, sponsoring postgraduate students abroad, and implementing technology-driven governance solutions.
“Governor Yusuf’s commitment to good governance has also earned him national and international accolades, which include the Governor of the year on education by New Telegraph, Most Pensioners Friendly Governor of the year by the Nigeria Union of Pensioners and Teachers Friendly Governor of the year by the Nigeria Union of Teachers among many other recognitions.
“Other distinguished honorees are: President Andry Rajoelina (Madagascar); Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja (Uganda); Former President Dr. Jakaya Kikwete (Tanzania); Lefoko Maxwell Moagi (Former Minister of Minerals and Energy, Botswana); Mustafa Y. Shek (Director General, National Communication Authority, Somalia); Ireneu Camacho (Chairman, Board of Directors, Enapor SA-Portos de Capo Verde); Arch. Professor Barnabas Nawangwe (Vice Chancellor, Makerere University, Uganda); Paul Mapfumo (Vice Chancellor, University of Zimbabwe); Monique Gieskes (CEO, Plantations Et Huileries Du Congo); Israel Degfa (President, Kerchanshe Trading Plc, Ethiopia) and Mohammed Goni Alkali (Managing Director/CEO, North East Development Commission, Nigeria)”.
Drawn against Tunisia and two East African ‘lightweights’ Tanzania and Uganda in the Preliminary Group C of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, stakeholders are unanimous that it’s about time the Super Eagles win Nigeria’s long awaited fourth continental trophy. Winners on home soil in 1980, the fabled Nigeria’s senior national team also conquered the continent at Tunisia 1994 and South Africa 2013. To break the barriers in Morocco, the Nigeria Football Federation(NFF) have been enjoined to provide the needed fillip for the Super Eagles now under the watch of Franco-Malian coach Eric Sekou Chelle, writes TUNDE LIADI…
Former Nigeria International goalkeeper, Ike Shorunmu, has counselled the current Super Eagles against any form of complacency in their bid to go all the way at the forthcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco despite been drawn in what looks on paper, a decent First Round group complete with the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia as well as the Taifa Stars of Tanzania and Cranes of Uganda.
Shorunmu, Nigeria’s first choice goalkeeper at the 2002 FIFA World Cup in Korea & Japan, said African football continues to be on the rise everyday consequently that it would be wrong for anyone to underrate Nigeria’s Group C opponents, adding all the 24 teams would be starting on ‘ground zero’ irrespective of past achievements at past AFCONs.
He, therefore, enjoined the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to take the preparations of the team seriously while noting that with the calibre of players and the choice of coach Eric Sekou Chelle, the chances of the Super Eagles’ for a fourth continental title in Morocco is bright .
“There is no any small country anymore in tournaments. If you don’t prepare very well, they will shock you. Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda are almost the same in level because things are changing and we don’t need to think of years back that we are champions,” the former Zurich FC of Switzerland goalkeeper stated. “This is a new ball game and we need to prepare very well. We have a good team and I am sure we will do well with the new coach we have.
Currently the goalkeepers’ trainer at Abia Warriors, Shorunmu has equally called for patience for the new Super Eagles coach Eric Sekou Chelle as he urged fans to continue to lower their expectations ahead of AFCON.
“This is a new coach and we haven’t seen how his philosophy would be with our terrain here. Let’s wait and see when he takes over the team fully he would now know the strength of our team and whether we have the potential to go further than the last time we did in Cote d’Ivoire,” he added.
Shorunmu’s views were equally shared by Super Eagles skipper to the 2013 AFCON, Joseph Yobo .
He believes Nigeria will qualify from the knockout phase of the 2025 AFCON but reckoned the team’s overall success hinges on starting the opening first three matches on a good footing.
“We do have a very good team and the players are improving. We have a good set of players and they showed that at the last AFCON. Looking at the group, it is never going to be easy but we know that the Super Eagles will come out of the group without much problem,” Yobo, who was one of the Draw Assistants in Rabat on Monday, stated.
“I hope that we start very well and build on that momentum to the final. We must build on our last performance at the last AFCON. It is about time we got our hands again on the AFCON trophy. We have a good set of players and an amazing coach to do that.”
Similarly, erstwhile Golden Eaglets’ captain and coach, Nduka Ugbade, has urged the Super Eagles to pay attention to details and not underrate any of their group’s foes so that they do not get the results they never wished for.
He noted that though the Super Eagles are one of the teams to beat in the group, they must work extra hard to merit a knockout ticket.
“It is a good draw for Nigeria. It is not that too difficult but you must consider some of the situations in Africa that the game has improved a lot and a lot of things are in the game now,” Ugbade, who led Nigeria to claim the maiden FIFA Under-16 World Cup in Beijing, China, said. “Nigeria should be able to perform very well but I am not going to rule out even the smallest team on paper, Tanzania from being able to spring a surprise. Nigeria should be able to qualify but we have to work to merit that. You don’t qualify by word of mouth.”
Meanwhile, one-time Super Eagles left back, Ifeanyi Udeze, has admonished the current senior national team to target winning the fourth African title in Morocco after the near miss last year in Cote d’Ivoire.
“It is about time we tried to see if we can win the trophy again. I am not afraid of any team in the group be it Tunisia, Uganda and Tanzania,” Udeze said. “We must first strive to come out of the group before we start talking about the knock out round.”
The NFF’s General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, has acknowledged that the Eagles loss to Tunisia in the round of 16 at the delayed 2021 AFCON , should serve as eye opener that the coach Chelle-led side cannot afford to count their chicks until they are hatched.
Recalled that the Super Eagles won all their opening three group games in Cameroon but were stopped in the Round of 16 against Tunisia against all expectations.
Sanusi opined that he learned a great deal from the Cameroon experience and are ready to leave no stone unturned in their resolve to ensure the Eagles excel in Morocco.
“In football you cannot underrate any team these days. I am happy with the group but I see it as a serious wakeup call because we knew what happened to us in Cameroon in 2022 against Tunisia in the Round of 16,” Dr Sanusi said. “We are aware of the task ahead of us. I can say that we are comfortable but we are not going to take our opponents for granted though we may be comfortable with their style of play.”
Yet former Kano Pillars defensive midfielder, Gabriel Reuben, has challenged the Super Eagles to hit the ground running in Morocco to show their intent to win their fourth African title.
Reuben who was a member of the victorious team at the 2013 AFCON in South Africa , said though the Super Eagles are the top horse in the group alongside Tunisia, they must still be wary of Tanzania and Uganda.
“The draw has been made and if you want to win AFCON you have to win all your games irrespective of the opposition. I think we know the Tunisians but the Ugandans and Tanzanians, we must be scared of them because football is not one plus one.
“There are no underdogs in football and we must take all the games seriously. It is what we make us to qualify because it is not just about having a good team.”
But Cranes of Uganda’s head coach, Paul Put , has admitted that they would be up against tough opposition in the class of Nigeria, Tunisia while not discountenance the solidity of their neighbours, Tanzania.
Put, a Belgian and a former coach of Burkina Faso, enthused about preparing a team ready to face any African opposition in December.
“We are up against tough opponents. Tunisians and Nigeria are former champions of AFCON and Tanzania too are not too far off,” Put disclosed. “I think we have to believe in ourselves and prepare very well for the competition. We have to play better than our abilities.”
Similarly, Cranes’ forward Dennis Omedi said he was looking forward to playing at the AFCON , adding the East Africans won’t be making up the numbers in Morocco.
“I believe in Uganda’s Cranes players and no one should think we will be at the AFCON to make up the numbers. Omedi said. “I believe we are going to get out of this group and if we fight so hard and believe in ourselves we could take the team as far as possible in Morocco.
“We shall take the game one after the other starting with Tunisia and then Tanzania before the game with Nigeria. The focus should be on the first game because in every tournament what is most important is how you begin it.
“If you begin in a good way it gives you the momentum and it will send signals to the rest of your group opponents and it gives you an upper hand.”
That notwithstanding, former Super Eagles attacker, Benedict Akwuegbu, has expressed optimism that Nigeria can win the 2025 AFCON in Morocco.
Akwuegbu said the calibre of players we have in Europe should send fears down the spines of the Eagles foes in Morocco.
“We have a big chance to win the 2025 AFCON because our players are in top form especially Osimhen, Lookman who just won the CAF Player of Year award,” Akwuegbu stated. “Simon Moses is also doing very well in France. I am optimistic we will win the AFCON.”
Nevertheless, Super Eagles Team Coordinator, Patrick Pascal, has warned about the dangers of underrating any team at the forthcoming 2025 AFCON in Morocco.
“The group stage is there for teams to fight and qualify because in Cote ‘d’Ivoire last year all the top seeds people we were talking about all crashed out early,” Pascal said. “We need absolute concentration to qualify from the group we are in. There is nothing like small countries in Africa again. We cannot underestimate any team.”
Speaking in the same vein, former Super Eagles midfielder, Friday Ekpo, has charged Nigeria’s senior national team to work their way out of the group stage, adding good preparation would aid team’s superb performance in Morocco.
“Every group is tough. It takes a lot for any team to qualify. We must work our way out,” Ekpo said. “Build our team towards the upcoming AFCON. We have ample time to do a thorough job before the start of the AFCON.”
