AFCON 2025 | Group C: Heavyweights Nigeria and Tunisia to set the pace in a fiercely contested pool

Group C promises to be one of the most competitive sections at the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, bringing together two continental heavyweights and two ambitious challengers.

Nigeria and Tunisia arrive with pedigree, depth and genuine title aspirations, while Uganda and Tanzania will be looking to defy the odds and spring surprises in a demanding pool.

With contrasting styles, experienced coaches and several standout individuals on show, Group C is set to deliver high drama from the opening round as teams jostle for progression to the knockout stages.

NIGERIA

• CAF ranking: 5th
• Coach: Éric Chelle
• Player to watch: Victor Osimhen
• Best AFCON performance: Three-time winners
• Tournament prediction: Reaching semi-finals

The Super Eagles have been one of the powerhouses of African football for decades, with three titles and five runner-up finishes to their name. The team, led by Éric Sékou Chelle and spearheaded by stars such as Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, will be chasing a fourth AFCON crown at Morocco 2025.

Their failure to qualify for the 2026 Fifa World Cup will provide additional motivation. Despite off-field distractions, this proud nation will soldier on.

In a bid to inject urgency, Chelle has called up five debutants. These fresh faces, unburdened by past disappointments, will be eager to prove themselves and repay his trust.

TANZANIA

• CAF ranking: 27th
• Coach: Miguel Gamondi
• Player to watch: Mbwana Samatta
• Best AFCON performance: Three first-round exits
• Tournament prediction: First-round exit

Tanzania’s AFCON record shows they have played three tournaments and, after nine first-round matches, are yet to win a game. Nicknamed the Taifa Stars, they have recorded six defeats and three draws.

With all three group rivals ranked above them, another early exit looms. Tanzania recently appointed experienced Argentinian Miguel Gamondi to prepare the team for AFCON, even as he continues as coach of Singida Black Stars.

While he is an efficient organiser, the squad has limited depth. Much will depend on striker Mbwana Samatta, who plies his trade in France with Ligue 1 outfit Le Havre AC.

TUNISIA

• CAF ranking: 6th
• Coach: Sami Trabelsi
• Player to watch: Aïssa Laïdouni
• Best AFCON performance: Winners, 2004
• Tournament prediction: Semi-finals

The Carthage Eagles are among Africa’s traditional powerhouses and tournament favourites. They have qualified for every AFCON since 1994 and will be making their 22nd appearance.

Coach Sami Trabelsi, in his second spell, is an experienced former defender with more than 80 caps. He previously guided Tunisia to the African Nations Championship title in 2013. The squad is packed with attacking talent, largely drawn from European clubs, and is built on disciplined organisation and a solid defence.

Tunisia competed in the Arab Cup in Qatar earlier in December, giving Trabelsi a useful yardstick despite the absence of Europe-based players.

UGANDA

• CAF ranking: 17
• Coach: Paul Put
• Player to watch: Allan Okello
• Best AFCON performance: Runners-up
• Tournament prediction: First-round exit

The Cranes, will be contesting their eighth AFCON. They were the first team to arrive in Morocco, staging an 11-day camp in Casablanca and playing friendlies against FAR Rabat and Gabon.

Drawn alongside heavyweights Nigeria and Tunisia, they face a tough battle to finish in the top two. A strong third-place finish may be their most realistic route to the knockout stages. With seasoned Belgian coach Paul Put at the helm and thorough preparation in the host country, Uganda could yet emerge as a dark horse in a demanding group.