Nigeria’s Super Eagles have arrived in Fés, Morocco, ahead of the 35th Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals, setting their sights on a historic fourth continental crown as the tournament begins on Sunday.
The team touched down on Thursday evening aboard a chartered flight from Cairo, where they held their final training camp, signalling readiness for what promises to be one of the most competitive AFCON tournaments in history.
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Three-time champions — winners on home soil in 1980, Tunisia in 1994, and South Africa in 2013 Nigeria will begin their Group campaign against Tanzania’s Taifa Stars on Tuesday at the historic city of Fés.
The Super Eagles are keen to deliver success to fans at home and in the diaspora, particularly after the disappointment of failing to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Following the retirement of long-serving defender William Troost-Ekong, midfield general Wilfred Ndidi has been handed the captain’s armband, with senior players Simon Moses, Alex Iwobi and prolific striker Victor Osimhen expected to serve as vice-captains.
The tournament will officially commence on Sunday with a colourful opening ceremony at the Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat, featuring Nigerian global music star Davido.
Hosts Morocco will then face Comoros in the opening match, as the Atlas Lions look to extend their impressive recent run in international football.
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Nigeria, who defeated Tanzania in their opening match en route to winning their first AFCON title 45 years ago, will be aiming for a strong start to build momentum ahead of tougher Group fixtures against Tunisia on Saturday, 27 December, and Uganda on Tuesday, 30 December.
Head coach Eric Chelle summed up the expectations surrounding the team in an interview with CAFOnline last month, stating: “When you coach Nigeria, you have to win everything.”
Tanzania, coached by former Super Eagles star Emmanuel Amuneke, are making only their fourth AFCON appearance.
The Taifa Stars have yet to record a win at the finals, having drawn three and lost six of their nine matches in tournament history.
Tunisia, one of Africa’s most consistent sides, will be making their 17th consecutive AFCON appearance and 21st overall. The Carthage Eagles’ sole title came on home soil in 2004.
Their rivalry with Nigeria dates back decades, including memorable encounters in the 1978, 2000 and 2019 tournaments, while Tunisia eliminated the Super Eagles at the Round of 16 stage in Cameroon in 2021.
Uganda’s Cranes, meanwhile, have long been considered tricky opponents for Nigeria.
Their famous semi-final victory over the Super Eagles at the 1978 AFCON remains a painful memory, and their Group clash in Fés is expected to be fiercely contested.
Uganda are making their eighth AFCON appearance, with a runner-up finish in 1978 still their best showing.
With 104 AFCON matches played across 20 previous appearances, Nigeria is widely expected to progress from the Group stage before focusing on a game-by-game approach in the knockout rounds.
President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau (MON), expressed strong confidence in the team’s chances.
“We have prepared the team intending to lift the trophy. The World Cup miss still hurts, but winning the AFCON would help heal that disappointment and give this generation of Super Eagles a major achievement,”
He also highlighted the Federation’s efforts in ensuring top-class travel, accommodation and logistics for the team despite prevailing economic challenges.
“I have confidence in the coaches and players to turn the present gloom around and make Nigeria proud in Morocco,”