2025 AFCON: Analyzing AFCON group
The African Cup of Nations (AFCON) is fast approaching, and Nigeria’s Super Eagles find themselves in an intriguing group. On the show, we’ll analyze Nigeria’s group, discuss expectations, and take a look at the domestic football scene, including the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) and the Nigerian Women’s Football League (NWFL).
We’ll also touch on European football, particularly the UEFA Champions League fixtures for tomorrow. It’s a packed lineup tonight! As always, it’s a two-man show, and Mayel K is ready to take you on a journey through the money-spinning world of sports.
AFCON 2025: The Draw and Group C Analysis
Everyone is still talking about the AFCON draw ceremony that took place last night in Rabat, Morocco. As the tournament approaches in December, Nigeria—like every other participating country—now knows its group-stage opponents.
The big question: Was it a fair draw? Some believe so, but I’m not quick to say that Nigeria got an easy group. Group C consists of Nigeria, Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania. Many assume that the Super Eagles will advance easily, but I believe we should approach this AFCON as serious business, keeping in mind that we still have to qualify for the World Cup as well.
Joining us in the Lagos studio is sports analyst K. Adris. Greetings, and thanks for making time to be with us!
K. Adris' Thoughts on AFCON 2025 Draw
"Always great to be here! The AFCON draw is the biggest topic of discussion across the continent right now. Who are we facing? What’s our preparation like? When I look at Group C, I think Nigeria really needs to step up and be prepared.
Beyond AFCON, I’m also excited about the NPFL, which has reached the business end of the season. The NWFL has just started, but some teams are already showing intent. It’s going to be an exciting period for African football."
Introducing Our Guest: Veteran Sports Journalist K. Sh
We’re also joined by a veteran sports journalist and a trailblazer in the industry, K. Sh. Greetings, sir! Thanks for making time to be with us tonight.
K. Sh: "Thank you very much! It’s a pleasure to be here."
Breaking Down Nigeria’s AFCON Group: Is It Really an "Easy" Draw?
Question to K. Sh: What was your immediate reaction to the AFCON draw? Is it an easy path for Nigeria?
K. Sh: "I wouldn’t call it an easy draw. That was the same assumption people made about Nigeria’s World Cup qualifying group, thinking it would be a straightforward task. Yet, we’ve struggled—playing four matches without a win and sitting fifth in a group of six!
The same caution applies to AFCON 2025. Yes, on paper, Nigeria and Tunisia are the top seeds in Group C. But when you analyze each opponent individually, it’s clear that the road won’t be smooth.
For instance, Uganda may not be a well-known football powerhouse, but they’ve always been a difficult team for Nigeria to beat. Uganda has defeated Nigeria four times, while Nigeria has only won once or twice against them. Tanzania is another team that cannot be underestimated.
Another concern is Nigeria’s recent form. When was the last time we won a match by two or more goals? Aside from our victories against São Tomé and Príncipe (10-0), Benin Republic (3-0), and Sierra Leone (2-0), it has been a struggle. That kind of inconsistency is dangerous in a tournament setting."
Tournament Teams vs. Recent Struggles
Question to Austin: Some believe that no matter how Nigeria struggles in the qualifiers, the Super Eagles are a “tournament team” and will perform when it matters. What do you say to that?
Austin: "You can understand their optimism, given Nigeria’s historical AFCON record. We’ve played in 20 AFCON tournaments and reached the semifinals 16 times. We also have the most medals in AFCON history—whether it’s gold, silver, or bronze.
However, past success doesn’t guarantee future results. Look at the last AFCON in 2023: we had Guinea-Bissau, Equatorial Guinea, and Côte d'Ivoire in our group. On paper, only Côte d'Ivoire was expected to be a challenge. Yet, Nigeria struggled against both Guinea-Bissau and Equatorial Guinea, winning only due to an own goal in one game.
So, while history favors Nigeria as a tournament team, our current performances raise concerns. Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda may seem manageable, but we could struggle if we underestimate them."
Analyzing AFCON 2025 Groups
For those wondering what the groups look like, here’s a quick overview:
- Group A: Morocco, Mali, Zambia, Comoros
- Group B: Egypt, South Africa, Angola, Zimbabwe
- Group C: Nigeria, Tunisia, Uganda, Tanzania
- Group D: Senegal, DR Congo, Benin Republic, Botswana
- Group E: Algeria, Burkina Faso, Guinea, Sudan
- Group F: Côte d'Ivoire, Cameroon, Gabon, Mozambique
Austin, which group stands out to you?
Austin: "Group D is the group that caught my attention. Senegal, DR Congo, and Benin Republic make for a tough contest."
Nigeria’s Advantage: Logistical Comfort
One logistical advantage for Nigeria is that all three of our group-stage matches will be played in the same venue. This means no long-distance travel, unlike our group opponents, who will have to commute from Rabat. This could provide the Super Eagles with some much-needed stability and comfort.
Super Eagles Camp: The Need for Discipline
Question to K. Sh: What changes need to be made in Nigeria’s AFCON camp to ensure success?
K. Sh: "Discipline must be enforced. I’ve observed that in recent times, the Super Eagles’ camp has been too relaxed—almost like a holiday retreat rather than a professional football camp. There’s too much distraction, with social media content creators and influencers gaining access to players and disrupting focus.
In the past, coaches like Clemens Westerhof ran disciplined camps, ensuring full concentration. Nowadays, players arrive late, go out for social visits before reporting, and then face a camp filled with unnecessary distractions. The NFF needs to implement strict rules, including a ‘no-entry’ policy for unauthorized personnel, and ensure that players focus solely on football."
Final Thoughts: If Nothing Changes, How Far Can Nigeria Go?
If these issues persist—lack of discipline, inconsistency in qualifying matches, and underestimating opponents—how far can Nigeria realistically go at AFCON 2025?
K. Sh: "Our performance in AFCON will likely reflect how we perform in the World Cup qualifiers. If we continue struggling, morale will be low, and our chances of a deep AFCON run will diminish. The team must step up, both on and off the pitch, to make a serious title challenge.
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