By: Kwame Bediako
Africa’s football powerhouses have ignited the flames for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco which will kick off on Sunday, December 21, 2025, rolling out star-studded squads brimming with global icons, rising stars, and battle-tested veterans.
From Mohamed Salah’s precision to Victor Osimhen’s raw power and Achraf Hakimi’s electric pace, this edition promises unprecedented competition as nations gear up for continental supremacy.
Host nation Morocco sets the tone with a formidable blend of European flair and homegrown grit.
Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou anchors a rock-solid defense featuring Hakimi, Noussair Mazraoui, and Nayef Aguerd, while midfield maestros Sofyan Amrabat and Azzedine Ounahi dictate play.
Up top, Brahim Díaz, Youssef En-Nesyri, and Olympiakos sharpshooter El Kaabi bring lethal firepower, fueling the Atlas Lions’ dream of lifting the trophy amid roaring home crowds.
Seven-time champions Egypt arrive as perennial favorites, banking on Mohamed Salah’s magic alongside Manchester City’s Omar Marmoush and Nantes’ Mostafa Mohamed to spearhead the attack.
A robust Al Ahly core provides tactical steel, with midfield dynamo Emam Ashour injecting relentless energy. History, experience, and sky-high expectations make the Pharaohs a team to beat.
Nigeria’s Super Eagles soar into contention with blistering pace and goal threat, led by Osimhen’s clinical finishing, Ademola Lookman’s flair, and Samuel Chukwueze’s wizardry.
Midfield anchors Alex Iwobi and Wilfred Ndidi offer control, as Calvin Bassey shores up the backline. Fresh off last edition’s final heartbreak, the Eagles hunger for AFCON glory.
Senegal’s depth shines through captain Kalidou Koulibaly’s defensive leadership, midfield steel from Idrissa Gana Gueye and Pape Matar Sarr, and Sadio Mané’s enduring brilliance flanked by Nicolas Jackson and Ismaila Sarr.
Five-time winners Cameroon counter with youthful grit via Carlos Baleba and Bryan Mbeumo, while Côte d’Ivoire unleashes Franck Kessié, Seko Fofana, Sébastien Haller, and Wilfried Zaha.
As legends return and new heroes emerge, Morocco’s AFCON 2025 stage is set for drama and destiny.
