AFCON-winning coach Claude Le Roy has listed the Tremendous Eagles alongside hosts Morocco, Senegal, Ivory Coast, Egypt, and Algeria as the primary contenders for the 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) title.
The match shall be held from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, throughout six cities in Morocco.
Nigeria, who have been runners-up within the earlier match after shedding to Ivory Coast within the closing, shall be aiming for a fourth continental title. They’ve been drawn into a gaggle with Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania.
With a proud AFCON historical past boasting 16 medals—three gold, 5 silver, and eight bronze—Nigeria stays one of many favourites for the competitors, in keeping with Le Roy.
“Logically, Morocco are the most important favourites,” Le Roy advised LeSitelnfo. “Senegal, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Algeria… Egypt is all the time a powerful opponent on this competitors. We should even be cautious of South Africa, which continues to enhance because of an excellent coach. Cameroon can also be all the time powerful to beat.”
Le Roy, who led Cameroon to victory within the 1988 AFCON, the final time Morocco hosted the match, mirrored on that triumph. Cameroon defeated Nigeria 1-0 within the closing with a penalty from Emmanuel Kundé, a loss that continues to be one in all Nigeria’s most painful AFCON moments. Le Roy nonetheless considers the victory his best teaching achievement.
At 77, the French coach is worked up to return to Morocco, saying, “Right this moment, the Kingdom is able to internet hosting a World Cup. I believe the subsequent AFCON shall be distinctive in a rustic that I like. It’s an amazing soccer nation. For me, it would carry again many reminiscences. I received the AFCON in Morocco, and it’s an amazing pleasure for me to return there.”
Beneath the administration of Franco-Malian coach Eric Chelle, the Tremendous Eagles will begin their 2025 AFCON marketing campaign in opposition to Tanzania on December 23 at Fez Stadium in Fez. 4 days later, they are going to face Tunisia on the identical venue earlier than finishing their group stage with a match in opposition to Uganda’s Cranes on December 30.
