Nigeria
Profile
- Nickname: Super Eagles
- Appearances: 21x
- Last appearance: 2023
- Titles: 3 (1980, 1994, 2013)
- FIFA Ranking: 43
The Super Eagles of Nigeria head to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco with high ambitions. With a rich tournament history, they aim to claim the African crown for the fourth time.
Qualification
Nigeria finished top of a challenging qualifying group that included Benin, Libya, and Rwanda. Their qualification campaign was marked by resilience and attacking flair, with star players stepping up at key moments.
Coach: Éric Sékou Chelle
The Super Eagles are led by Éric Sékou Chelle. This former defender and experienced coach has instilled tactical discipline and an attacking style of play in the team. After finishing as runners-up in the previous edition (in Ivory Coast), Chelle now aims higher. His focus? Consistency and mental strength.
Key Players
Ademola Lookman: Currently the African Footballer of the Year, Lookman is also the creative engine of the team.
Victor Osimhen: Osimhen is the star striker. He remains the most dangerous presence up front and is vital to Nigeria’s title ambitions.
Previous AFCON performances
Nigeria is part of the elite in African football. The team has won the tournament three times and finished as runners-up on five occasions. Their consistent presence at the top makes them a powerhouse on the continent.
Did you know?
The last time the tournament was held in Morocco, Nigeria finished second. Will they go one step further this time?
Tanzania
Profile
- Nickname: Taifa Stars
- Appearances: 4x
- Last appearance: 2023
- Titles: 0
- FIFA Ranking: 107
For the first time in history, Tanzania has qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations for the second time in a row, a remarkable milestone for the Taifa Stars.
Qualification
Tanzania finished second in their qualification group. Their campaign was defined by two crucial back-to-back victories against Guinea and Ethiopia. A decisive 1-0 win over Guinea, thanks to a goal by Saimon Happygod Msuva, ultimately secured their AFCON ticket.
Coach: Hemed Morocco
Interim head coach Hemed Morocco brings an attacking approach to the tournament. His style of play, focused on creative offensive impulses and quick transitions, gave the team a clear energy boost during the qualifiers. Morocco knows how to motivate his squad and relies on their intensity and team spirit to potentially spring a surprise at AFCON 2025.
Key Player: Saimon Happygod Msuva
Saimon Happygod Msuva is the one to watch. The forward proved his worth during qualification with two crucial goals, including the winner against Guinea. His experience and eye for goal could prove invaluable.
Previous AFCON performances
In their three previous appearances, Tanzania has yet to make it past the group stage. Despite showing fighting spirit, a breakthrough on Africa’s biggest stage has so far remained elusive.
Tunisia
Profile
- Nickname: The Carthage Eagles
- Appearances: 22x
- Last appearance: 2023
- Titles: 1 (2004)
- FIFA Ranking: 49
Tunisia will once again participate in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and aims to make a deep run in the tournament. The North African side hopes to end a 20-year title drought. Their only continental triumph came in 2004, when they defeated Morocco in the final as tournament hosts.
Qualification
Tunisia qualified for the final tournament by finishing second in Group A. The team collected 10 points from 3 wins, 1 draw, and 2 losses. They finished behind surprise group winners Comoros (12 points), but ahead of Gambia and Madagascar.
Coach: Sami Trabelsi
Sami Trabelsi, 57, is an experienced coach and former defender with over 80 caps for Tunisia. He previously served as national team coach from 2011 to 2013, leading Tunisia to the African Nations Championship title and securing appearances at the 2012 and 2013 AFCON tournaments. After that stint, he spent nearly a decade coaching successfully in Qatar with Al-Sailiya SC. He now brings that international experience back to Tunisian football.
Key Players
Issa Bilal Aidouni: The midfielder from Qatari club Al Wakrah is a mainstay in the Tunisian team. Known for his physical strength and tactical intelligence, he is the driving force in midfield.
Amanullah Mamish: The young goalkeeper from top club Espérance Tunis is only 20 years old, but is already considered one of the team’s pillars. With mature performances in both domestic and continental competitions, he has emerged as a reliable last line of defense.
Previous AFCON performances
Tunisia has a rich history at the Africa Cup of Nations, with the 2025 edition marking their 22nd appearance. Their greatest success came in 2004, when they won the tournament on home soil by defeating Morocco 2-1 in the final. Tunisia also reached the final in 1965 and 1996, but lost on both occasions.
Did you know?
Tunisia is the only national team to have qualified for every AFCON final tournament since 1994. This means that 2025 will be their 11th consecutive appearance, a testament to their consistency on the African stage.
Uganda
Profile
- Nickname: The Cranes
- Appearances: 8x
- Last appearance: 2019
- Titles: 0
- FIFA Ranking: 89
Uganda is preparing for their eighth appearance at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. With their recent qualification, the Cranes reaffirm their growing status as a formidable opponent on the African continent.
Qualification
Uganda secured a spot in the tournament by finishing second in their qualification group, just one point behind South Africa. A heroic 2-2 draw in Johannesburg highlighted their resilience and tactical discipline — hallmarks of coach Paul Put’s leadership.
Coach: Paul Put
Paul Put has instilled structure and confidence in the team. Known for getting teams to perform above their level, he guarantees control, organization, and a clear playing style. His experience could prove decisive in a tournament as competitive as AFCON.
Key Players
Denis Omedi: One of the standout performers in the qualifiers. His two stunning goals were vital in securing Uganda’s place in the tournament.
Khalid Aucho: The captain and seasoned midfielder is the beating heart of the team. His blend of leadership and technique makes him indispensable.
Previous AFCON performances
Uganda’s greatest success came in 1978, when they reached the final but lost to Ghana. Although there was a long period of silence, hope has returned among fans. A new golden generation appears to be rising.
Did you know?
In 2016, Uganda’s national team was named Africa’s Best Team, recognition of their rise as a serious contender on the continent.