Super Eagles in Pot A for 35th AFCON Draw

The draw for the 35th Africa Cup of Nations AFCON finals is set to take place at the Mohamed V National Theatre in Rabat, Morocco. Nigeria’s Super Eagles have been placed in Pot A, alongside other heavyweights such as Egypt, Algeria, Morocco, Senegal, and Côte d’Ivoire, ensuring they will not face these teams in the group stage.

The tournament, scheduled to run from December 21, 2024, to January 18, 2025, marks the first time AFCON will begin in one year and conclude in another. Morocco, hosting the competition for the first time since 1988, has established itself as a major football hub in Africa after hosting several major tournaments, including the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup.

Nigeria boasts a rich AFCON history, holding the record for the most medals in the competition’s 68 year history 16 in 20 appearances. The Super Eagles are three-time champions 1980, 1994, 2013 and have played 104 matches in the finals, ranking fourth overall behind Egypt, Côte d’Ivoire, and Ghana.

The 2025 AFCON will see 24 teams compete, with Botswana and Comoros making only their second appearances. Meanwhile, Egypt will participate for a record 27th time. Other prominent teams include Cameroon, Tunisia, Algeria, and Zambia, each with multiple tournament appearances.

The pots for the draw are as follows:

• Pot 1: Morocco, Senegal, Egypt, Algeria, Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire
• Pot 2: Cameroon, Mali, Tunisia, South Africa, DR Congo, Burkina Faso
• Pot 3: Gabon, Angola, Zambia, Uganda, Equatorial Guinea, Benin Republic
• Pot 4: Mozambique, Comoros, Tanzania, Sudan, Zimbabwe, Botswana

Nigeria’s Rashidi Yekini remains one of AFCON’s iconic figures, having scored 13 goals across four tournaments. Cameroonian legend Samuel Eto’o holds the all-time scoring record with 18 goals.

Editorial

The Super Eagles’ placement in Pot A of the AFCON draw is both a reflection of their legacy and a sign of the expectations placed on them. As three time champions, Nigeria enters the tournament with a proud history and high hopes. However, their recent performances demand improvement to reclaim their place among Africa’s elite.

Morocco’s role as host adds another layer of excitement to this year’s tournament. The nation’s growing football infrastructure and successful hosting of past tournaments signal a bright future for African football. For Nigeria, the challenge lies not only in navigating the group stage but also in breaking their recent streak of underachievement.

We believe the Super Eagles must approach this AFCON with renewed vigour. Their record of eight bronze medals highlights a team that consistently performs but often falls short of ultimate glory. With strong leadership from coach Éric Sékou Chelle and the right squad balance, Nigeria can aim for a fourth title and reaffirm their status as continental giants.

This AFCON is a fresh chapter for all participating nations. For Nigeria, it is an opportunity to write their legacy anew, one game at a time.

Did You Know?

1. Morocco was originally scheduled to host AFCON 2015 but withdrew due to concerns over the Ebola outbreak.
2. Nigeria’s Super Eagles have only failed to progress beyond the group stage twice in 1963 and 1982.
3. The 2025 tournament will feature teams like Botswana and Comoros, making their second ever AFCON appearances.
4. Samuel Eto’o scored his record 18 AFCON goals across eight tournaments, more than any other player.
5. Morocco is also set to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup with Spain and Portugal, cementing its status as a football powerhouse.