Nigeria, Tunisia, and Three Others Secure 2025 AFCON Berths
Nigeria, Tunisia, Gabon, South Africa, and Uganda have all secured their places in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) following Thursday’s penultimate round of qualifiers.
The five teams now join a growing list of countries set to compete in Morocco next year, as results across various groups determined their paths to the tournament.
Three-time AFCON champions Nigeria clinched their spot in dramatic fashion after Libya’s 1-0 win over Rwanda earlier in the day guaranteed the Super Eagles a top-two finish in Group D.
This assurance came before Nigeria even kicked off against Benin. In their evening match, Nigeria fought back from a goal down, with Victor Osimhen scoring to secure a 1-1 draw.
As a result, Benin, Rwanda, and Libya all remain in contention for the second qualification spot, with everything to play for in the group’s final matches.
In Group B, Tunisia also claimed their place in the tournament in thrilling style. Down to ten men in a tight contest against Madagascar, the Carthage Eagles netted a decisive 93rd-minute goal to clinch a 3-2 victory and secure their record-extending 17th consecutive AFCON appearance.
Tunisia’s resilience was on full display, as they fought through adversity to maintain their unbroken streak of qualifications dating back to 1994.
Gabon, South Africa, and Uganda were all able to progress without kicking a ball, as results elsewhere in their groups worked in their favor.
For these three countries, it was a day of celebration, as they secured their places in Morocco after recent performances put them in strong positions.
The latest qualifiers mark a competitive AFCON landscape as the tournament continues to take shape. With several teams still vying for the remaining spots, the final rounds of the qualifiers promise to deliver high-stakes clashes and set the stage for an exciting AFCON 2025 in Morocco.