The Super Eagles have been placed in Group C alongside Tunisia, Tanzania, and Uganda for the forthcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

The group draw ceremony took place on Monday in Morocco, with the highlight being Nigeria’s clash with Tunisia’s Carthage Eagles. Tunisia, champions on home soil in 2004, defeated Nigeria in the semi-finals that year before overcoming Morocco in the final. More recently, Tunisia eliminated Nigeria in the Round of 16 at AFCON 2021 in Cameroon. However, the Super Eagles will take confidence from their 4-2 victory over Tunisia in Lagos during the 2000 tournament on their way to the final against Cameroon.

While Nigeria and Tunisia are the favourites in Group C, East African contenders Tanzania and Uganda will also compete fiercely for the two automatic qualification spots.

Elsewhere, the host nation Morocco leads Group A alongside Mali, Zambia, and Comoros. Group B boasts heavyweights such as Egypt, South Africa, Angola, and Zimbabwe, while defending champions Ivory Coast face Cameroon, Gabon, and Mozambique in Group F. Senegal, the 2021 champions, will contest Group D with DR Congo, Benin, and Botswana. Group E pits Algeria against Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, and Sudan.

As the countdown to the tournament, set for December in Morocco, begins, Nigerian fans are optimistic that the Super Eagles, narrowly beaten by Ivory Coast in the last final, can go one step further this time.

Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle, appointed earlier this year, attended the draw and will aim to join Otto Gloria, Clemens Westerhof, and Stephen Keshi as managers who have won AFCON for Nigeria.

CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe expressed optimism about the tournament’s success, noting: “I am extremely excited about AFCON in Morocco. Ivory Coast raised the bar last year, and now we must surpass it. Africa has incredible footballing talent, and I believe this tournament will showcase the best of it.”

Originally scheduled for mid-2025, the competition was rescheduled to avoid clashing with FIFA’s revamped Club World Cup in the United States.