Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, and 13 other nations have secured their spots in the highly anticipated 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), leaving only nine berths up for grabs. The tournament, set to be hosted by Morocco from December 2025 to January 2026, is shaping up to deliver electrifying action as qualifiers heat up.

The defending champions, Côte d’Ivoire, alongside Nigeria, South Africa, Tunisia, and Uganda, confirmed their places on Thursday, bolstered by crucial results across the continent. The latest qualifiers highlight the intense battle for supremacy as teams vie for a chance to compete in Africa’s most prestigious football competition.

Dramatic Victories and Narrow Escapes

Tunisia clinched their record 18th consecutive AFCON appearance with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Madagascar, sealed by Ali El Abdi’s stoppage-time header. Gabon also secured qualification from Group B without playing, thanks to the Central African Republic’s 1-0 loss to Lesotho.

South Africa and Uganda advanced from Group K after Congo’s 3-2 defeat to South Sudan, while Nigeria secured their top-two finish in Group D following Libya’s 1-0 victory over Rwanda. Although the Super Eagles drew 1-1 with Benin later in the day, Victor Osimhen’s late equalizer ensured they avoided defeat.

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Revived Hopes and Tough Challenges Ahead

Ghana’s qualification hopes remain alive after Sudan’s crushing 4-0 loss to Niger in Group F. However, the Black Stars must win their remaining fixtures and hope Sudan falters in their final match against Angola.

Meanwhile, Algeria, already qualified alongside Equatorial Guinea from Group E, dropped their first points in a goalless draw against Equatorial Guinea, played under challenging conditions in Malabo.

Nations Already Qualified for AFCON 2025:

  • Morocco – Host (Automatic)
  • Burkina Faso (Group L)
  • Cameroon (Group J)
  • Algeria (Group E – Table Leader)
  • DR Congo (Group H)
  • Senegal (Group L)
  • Egypt (Group C)
  • Angola (Group F – Table Leader)
  • Equatorial Guinea (Group E)
  • Côte d’Ivoire (Group G)
  • Gabon (Group B)
  • Uganda (Group K)
  • South Africa (Group K)
  • Tunisia (Group A)
  • Nigeria (Group D)

Intense Fight for Remaining Spots

With nine spots yet to be filled, Friday’s qualifiers featuring 10 matches are expected to bring more drama. Teams like Botswana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe are well-positioned to secure their places with home victories, while others will battle to keep their AFCON dreams alive.