The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is set to commence in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, with Nigeria's Super Eagles, three-time African champions, aiming for a fourth continental title. Drawn into Group C, Nigeria will face Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania, beginning their campaign against Tanzania on December 23. The path to glory is anticipated to be challenging, with strong contenders like Senegal, Egypt, South Africa, and host nation Morocco also vying for the trophy.

The Super Eagles' journey will see them play their three Group C matches at the Complexe Sportif De Fès, a premier venue in Fes with a capacity of 45,000. This stadium, completed in 2003 after 11 years of construction, boasts natural grass, which is expected to suit Nigeria's playing style. If Nigeria tops Group C, they will also play their Round of 16 match in Fez. Should they advance to the quarterfinals, the team would play at the Grand Stade de Marrakech, another multipurpose venue with a capacity of 45,240 and natural grass turf, completed in 2011 and a former FIFA Club World Cup host. The semifinals would take the Super Eagles to the Complexe Sportif Prince Moulay Abdallah in Rabat, a familiar ground with a capacity of 61,780. Finally, the Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca, a 45,000-seater world-class stadium, is slated to host the third-place play-off match, where Nigeria could find themselves if they reach the bronze medal match.

Head coach Eric Chelle has selected a 28-man squad for the tournament, comprising three goalkeepers, eight defenders, eight midfielders, and nine attackers. The squad numbers have been formally assigned by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). Francis Uzoho retains the number one jersey, though Stanley Nwabali, who wears number 23, is widely expected to be the first-choice goalkeeper, with Amas Obasogie allocated number 16. In defense and midfield, continuity prevails; captain Wilfred Ndidi will wear his preferred number four, Semi Ajayi number six, and Frank Onyeka number eight. A significant change sees Igho Ogbu handed the prestigious number five, previously worn by the retired William Troost-Ekong. Up front, Victor Osimhen, the 2023 Africa Footballer of the Year, takes the iconic number nine, while Ademola Lookman, another Africa Footballer of the Year, wears number seven. Alex Iwobi maintains his loyalty to number 17, leaving the number ten jersey to Fisayo Dele-Bashiru. Other notable allocations include Usman Mohammed with number 14 and Chidera Ejuke with number 24. Tournament debutants include Salim Fago Lawal (25), Ebenezer Akinsanmiro (26), Ryan Alebiosu (27), and Tochukwu Nnadi (28).

Expectations for the Super Eagles are mixed. Defender Calvin Bassey expressed 100% confidence, believing the squad has matured since the 2023 final heartbreak and is ready to shoulder greater responsibility, especially with Troost-Ekong's international retirement. However, former international Garba Lawal cast doubt on their prospects, urging the squad to show more fight, particularly after their struggles in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Legendary midfielder Jay Jay Okocha sparked a heated debate, controversially claiming the current squad would be no match for his 1996 Olympic gold-winning team, citing the quality of past players like Rashidi Yekini, Sunday Oliseh, and Nwankwo Kanu. Mohammed Gambo, another former international, emphasized the importance of Coach Chelle's tactical formations, urging him to play players to their strengths, citing concerns from a recent friendly loss to Egypt.

On the injury front, Nigerian winger Moses Simon voiced his disappointment over Benjamin Fredrick's absence from the squad due to injury. Meanwhile, the financial stakes for AFCON 2025 have significantly increased, with CAF announcing a record-breaking $10 million prize for the winners, a 43% increase from the $7 million awarded in 2023, and a 100% rise over four years. Runners-up will receive $4 million, and semi-finalists $2.5 million each.

Beyond Nigeria's direct campaign, the tournament's Golden Boot race features top African strikers. Victor Osimhen is identified as the favorite, expected to thrive under Eric Chelle’s attack-focused style, potentially emulating Odion Ighalo’s 2019 triumph. Other strong contenders include Mohamed Salah of Egypt, Brahim Diaz of Morocco (who was the top scorer in AFCON qualifiers with seven goals), Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Gabon, Lyle Foster of South Africa, Nicolas Jackson of Senegal, and Mohamed Amoura of Algeria. In related news impacting Group C, the Uganda Cranes reportedly boycotted a training session over unpaid allowances, indicating potential internal issues ahead of their campaign.