The Super Eagles will face Tunisia, Tanzania, and Uganda in Group C of the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
The draw ceremony, held on Monday in Morocco, placed Nigeria in a challenging group, with their standout clash being against the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia. Tunisia, who won the 2004 title on home soil, eliminated Nigeria in the semi-final that year and defeated Morocco in the final. The North Africans also knocked Nigeria out in the Round of 16 during the 2021 AFCON in Cameroon.
However, Nigeria has history on its side, having beaten Tunisia 4-2 en route to the 2000 final in Lagos.
While Nigeria and Tunisia are favourites, Tanzania and Uganda are expected to contend fiercely for the two automatic qualification spots.
Elsewhere, hosts Morocco headline Group A alongside Mali, Zambia, and Comoros. Group B features heavyweights Egypt, South Africa, Angola, and Zimbabwe. Defending champions Ivory Coast are in Group F with Cameroon, Gabon, and Mozambique, while Senegal, the 2021 champions, will face DR Congo, Benin, and Botswana in Group D.
New Super Eagles coach, Malian tactician Eric Chelle, attended the draw and aims to lead Nigeria to its fourth AFCON title. With the tournament set for December, Nigerian fans are hopeful the team can improve on its runner-up finish in 2021.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe expressed confidence in the tournament, calling it a “historic and successful” event. Originally scheduled for mid-2025, the event was rescheduled to avoid clashing with FIFA’s revamped Club World Cup.
The countdown to Africa’s football showpiece begins, promising thrilling matches and unforgettable moments.