AFCON 2025: Nigeria settle into Fez base as continental ambitions take shape

Nigeria have arrived safely in Fez to begin their final preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, becoming the latest contender to touch down in Morocco ahead of the tournament’s kick-off on Sunday, December 21.

With expectations high and history weighing heavily, the Super Eagles are positioning themselves for another sustained push towards continental glory.

The Nigerian delegation landed with a full complement of 28 players, all travelling together as the team begins the decisive phase of its build-up.

Dressed in their traditional colours on arrival, the squad were greeted calmly as they moved into their base in Fez, one of several Moroccan cities hosting teams for the 35th edition of the competition.

Nigeria will play their matches at the Grand Stade de Fès, a venue capable of holding 35,000 spectators, while training sessions will be held at the city’s sports complex.

The arrival marks the culmination of weeks of logistical planning, as national teams from across Africa converge on Morocco for one of the most anticipated editions of the tournament in recent years.

For Nigeria, the sense of purpose is clear.

As runners-up in the previous edition, the Super Eagles are determined to go one step further this time and reclaim a trophy that has long been part of their football identity.

Nigeria’s relationship with the Africa Cup of Nations is unlike that of most teams on the continent.

It remains the only major competition for which the country has qualified without interruption, a testament to decades of consistency at the highest level.

Over the years, the Super Eagles have contested seven finals and lifted the trophy on three occasions, establishing themselves as perennial contenders rather than occasional challengers.

That pedigree brings both confidence and pressure.

The responsibility now rests on head coach Eric Sékou Chelle, who is tasked with guiding a talented squad through the demands of a tournament that rarely allows room for error.

Adding a fourth continental title would not only enhance Nigeria’s record but also reinforce their status among Africa’s elite at a time when competition across the continent has never been more intense.

Fez offers a familiar and focused environment for Nigeria’s preparations.

The city’s facilities are designed to minimise distractions, allowing players and staff to concentrate fully on tactical work, recovery and cohesion.

With the full squad available from the outset, Chelle has the opportunity to fine-tune combinations and ensure that his team is physically and mentally ready for the challenges ahead.

Beyond the technical aspects, Nigeria’s arrival signals the growing sense that the tournament is truly underway.

As more teams settle into their Moroccan bases, anticipation continues to build among supporters across Africa and beyond.

For the Super Eagles, however, the mood is one of quiet determination rather than celebration.

Their objective is straightforward but demanding: to turn promise into performance and history into renewed success.

Fez is now the starting point of that journey.

Tags: Nigeria, AFCON 2025, Super Eagles, Fez, Morocco, African Football, Continental Tournament