The Super Eagles of Nigeria are among the 12 teams placed in Pot 1 ahead of the draw ceremony for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations AFCON. The draw for the biennial competition is scheduled to take place in Johannesburg, South Africa, on Thursday. According to the Confederation of African Football CAF, the highest ranked nations according to the latest FIFA Rankings released on June 20, 2024, will occupy Pot 1.
The inclusion of Nigeria in Pot 1 ensures that the Super Eagles will avoid facing other top teams early in the competition. Other countries in Pot 1 include hosts Morocco, Senegal, Algeria, Tunisia, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Ghana, Mali, South Africa, Cameroon, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The draw will create 12 groups of 4 teams each Groups A to L. The first and second-place teams in each of the eleven groups that do not include tournament hosts Morocco will qualify for the competition. The qualifiers are set to commence in September 2024. Côte d’Ivoire head coach Emerse Faé and Moroccan legend Marouane Chamakh will serve as draw assistants.
The AFCON 2025 finals will be held from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.
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Nigeria’s placement in Pot 1 for the AFCON 2025 draw is a significant advantage as it positions the Super Eagles to avoid the continent’s heavyweights in the early stages of the tournament. This strategic placement is a testament to the team’s consistent performance and high ranking in the latest FIFA standings.
Being in Pot 1 not only provides a tactical edge but also boosts the team’s morale as they prepare for the qualifiers and the main tournament. The draw process, set to be conducted in Johannesburg, promises to be an exciting event with various football legends like Emerse Faé and Marouane Chamakh contributing to the proceedings.
The structure of the qualifiers, where only the top two teams from each group excluding Morocco’s group will advance, underscores the competitive nature of AFCON. For Nigeria, this means focusing on maintaining top form throughout the qualifiers to secure a spot in the finals. The inclusion of other top-ranked nations in Pot 1 further emphasizes the high level of competition expected in the tournament.
For fans and stakeholders of Nigerian football, the news of the Super Eagles’ placement in Pot 1 is encouraging. It highlights the team’s strong positioning in African football and sets the stage for a potentially successful AFCON campaign. As preparations intensify, the focus will be on ensuring the team is well equipped to navigate the qualifiers and perform at their best in the finals.
Did You Know?
- The Africa Cup of Nations AFCON is the premier international football tournament in Africa, first held in 1957.
- Nigeria has won the AFCON title three times in 1980, 1994, and 2013.
- The 2025 AFCON will mark the 35th edition of the tournament.
- The Super Eagles have consistently been one of the top performing teams in AFCON, with numerous appearances in the semi-finals and finals.
- The 2025 AFCON will be hosted by Morocco, a country known for its passionate football culture and historic venues.
