Nigeria has secured a spot among the elite teams set to compete in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in Morocco, solidifying its place in the tournament during the penultimate round of qualifiers. The Super Eagles, three-time continental champions, are joined by Tunisia, Gabon, South Africa, and Uganda in early qualification, with each team clinching a top-two spot in their respective groups.
Thursday’s qualifying round was packed with action, featuring dramatic last-minute goals and unexpected results. Tunisia sealed a historic 17th consecutive Afcon appearance, while Nigeria’s draw against Benin confirmed their position in the tournament. Ghana, however, faces a tougher path, needing a win against Angola to keep their hopes alive.
Nigeria Secures Afcon Spot with a Draw Against Benin
Nigeria entered Thursday’s match against Benin with the knowledge that a top-two finish in Group D was assured after Libya’s earlier victory over Rwanda. This took pressure off the Super Eagles, who played confidently, coming from behind to secure a 1-1 draw. Victor Osimhen, Nigeria’s standout striker, netted the equalizer after Benin initially took the lead, keeping Nigeria unbeaten and in command of Group D.
The draw leaves Benin, Rwanda, and Libya competing for the group’s second qualifying spot in the final matches. The Cheetahs of Benin, formerly known as the Squirrels, must avoid defeat against Libya on Monday to secure their place in Morocco. With their qualification already in hand, Nigeria can approach their remaining fixtures with strategic flexibility.
Tunisia, South Africa, and Uganda Clinch Afcon Slots Without a Fight
Tunisia emerged victorious in a thrilling 3-2 match against Madagascar, despite being down to ten men. Ali Abdi scored in the 93rd minute, pushing Tunisia into their record 17th consecutive Afcon appearance. The match highlighted Tunisia’s resilience as they endured two equalizers from the Malagasy team before securing the winning goal in the final moments.
Meanwhile, South Africa and Uganda qualified without taking the field, as favorable outcomes in other games secured their top-two finishes. Gabon also advanced similarly, benefiting from a win by Lesotho over the Central African Republic in Group B. This development marks Uganda’s first Afcon appearance since 2019, while South Africa continues its strong track record in the tournament.
Ghana’s Narrow Path to Afcon Hinges on Win Against Angola
Ghana, a four-time Afcon winner, is now on precarious ground following Sudan’s 4-0 loss to Niger. Despite Sudan needing just one point to secure their qualification, the heavy defeat revitalizes Ghana’s campaign. To remain in contention, Ghana must defeat already-qualified Angola in Luanda on Friday.
The Ghanaian team faces significant pressure, with their Afcon aspirations riding on their performance in this upcoming match. A win would allow Ghana to potentially claim one of the remaining slots for Afcon 2025, with the team aiming to return to the continental stage and possibly add another title to their storied history.
CAR, Congo, and Madagascar Eliminated as Libya Revives Hopes
In an eventful set of fixtures, the Central African Republic (CAR), Congo-Brazzaville, and Madagascar were officially eliminated. CAR fell short in their attempt to pressure Gabon for a qualifying position, losing 1-0 to Lesotho. Congo-Brazzaville, similarly, was unable to secure the necessary points against South Sudan, finishing with a 3-2 loss that dashed their hopes of reaching Morocco.
In Group D, Libya’s 1-0 win over Rwanda reignited their qualifying ambitions. Fahd Saad Mohamed scored a late goal, giving Libya a fighting chance as they head into their final group match against Benin. A win could see Libya join Nigeria in the Afcon tournament, adding to the excitement of the final qualification rounds.
Afcon 2025: Qualified Teams and Upcoming Fixtures
With the tournament set to take place in Morocco, 14 teams have already qualified, including host Morocco, and African giants like Nigeria, Senegal, Algeria, and Ivory Coast. Notable additions this week include Gabon, Tunisia, and Uganda, who join Equatorial Guinea and DR Congo among others.
Upcoming fixtures on Friday offer more chances for teams to secure Afcon berths, with Botswana, Comoros, Mali, Mozambique, Zambia, and Zimbabwe all in contention. As the qualifiers draw to a close, the final teams are preparing to cement their places in the 24-team lineup for Afcon 2025, which promises to be a showcase of African football talent and competition.
