The Super Eagles of Nigeria, one of Africa’s most successful football teams, are gearing up for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) draw, set to take place on Monday, January 27, in Rabat, Morocco.
As a top-seeded team in Pot 1, Nigeria is assured of avoiding tournament heavyweights such as Senegal, Egypt, Ivory Coast, Algeria, and the hosts, Morocco.
However, the group stage still promises the potential for formidable challenges.
Seven possible challengers
Cameroon
Nigeria holds a recent upper hand over Cameroon, having triumphed 2-0 in the 2023 AFCON round of 16, courtesy of a brace from Ademola Lookman.
Historically, the Super Eagles have dominated their last three AFCON encounters with the Indomitable Lions, including victories in 2004, 2019, and 2023.
However, Cameroon remains a strong and unpredictable opponent.
South Africa
The Super Eagles and South Africa share a riveting AFCON history, with their most recent clash in the 2023 semi-finals.
After a dramatic penalty shootout, Nigeria emerged victorious, winning 4-2 following a 1-1 draw.
Nigeria boasts an unbeaten record in four AFCON encounters with South Africa, but their improving form keeps them a challenging prospect.
Tunisia
Tunisia poses a threat, having eliminated Nigeria in the round of 16 at the 2021 AFCON.
While the Super Eagles secured third place with a 1-0 win over Tunisia in 2019, the rivalry is rich with notable encounters, including Nigeria’s penalty victory in the 2006 quarter-finals.
Zambia
Zambia’s AFCON pedigree includes their 2012 championship win and their memorable 1994 final against Nigeria, where the Super Eagles claimed a 2-1 victory.
The two sides last clashed in 2013, with a 1-1 draw during the group stage. Zambia’s resilience makes them a team to watch.
Mali
Mali, under the guidance of Eric Chelle, defeated Nigeria 2-0 in a 2024 friendly.
However, the Super Eagles have recorded emphatic wins in past AFCON meetings, including a 4-1 semi-final victory in 2013 and third-place wins in 2002 and 2004.
Mali’s solid form could make them a tricky opponent.
DR Congo
Two-time AFCON champions DR Congo remain a potential challenge.
The teams last met in the 1994 AFCON quarter-finals, where Nigeria secured a 2-0 victory.
DR Congo’s resurgence, highlighted by a 2023 semi-final run, underscores their competitiveness.
Burkina Faso
Burkina Faso, the 2013 runners-up, have consistently been a strong contender, reaching the semi-finals in 1998 and 2021.
Nigeria bested the Stallions in the 2013 final but will remain cautious of their potential.
As Nigeria awaits its group-stage opponents, the Super Eagles are determined to build on their storied history and aim for a successful campaign in Morocco.
