Three-time champions Nigeria have clinched a spot at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon), alongside Tunisia, Gabon, South Africa, and Uganda. These teams secured their qualifications in Thursday’s penultimate round of fixtures, intensifying the excitement for the tournament scheduled to be held in Morocco.
Nigeria’s qualification was sealed even before their 1-1 draw against Benin, thanks to Libya’s earlier 1-0 victory over Rwanda. Victor Osimhen’s equalizer for the Super Eagles ensured their unbeaten record in Group D remained intact. This result leaves Benin, Libya, and Rwanda vying for the group’s remaining slot in a dramatic final round.
Elsewhere, Tunisia, despite being reduced to 10 men, stunned Madagascar with a last-minute winner, earning their record 17th consecutive Afcon appearance. The thrilling 3-2 victory saw Ali Abdi score in the 93rd minute after Madagascar twice clawed back into the game.
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Gabon, South Africa, and Uganda advanced without stepping on the pitch, benefiting from favorable outcomes in their respective groups. Uganda’s last appearance at Afcon was in 2019, while South Africa will return to the tournament after overcoming a challenging qualification phase.
Ghana’s hopes hang by a thread after Sudan’s 4-0 defeat to Niger left Group F wide open. Ghana, needing a victory, faces already-qualified Angola on Friday to keep their Afcon dreams alive.
Meanwhile, Equatorial Guinea and Ivory Coast joined the growing list of qualified teams on Wednesday without playing. The list of 14 confirmed teams includes heavyweights like Senegal, Egypt, and Cameroon, setting the stage for a competitive tournament.
