Julius OkorieDraw for the 2025 and 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations AFCON holds Thursday, in Johannesburg, South Africa, even as the last edition finalists, Super Eagles, await their group opponents
The three-time champions Nigeria, is among seeded teams for the draw, which will see 48 teams drawn into 12 groups of four countries each.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe top two countries in each group will make it to Morocco 2025, implying that 24 teams will compete in Morocco for the prestigious continental fiesta. Hosts Cote d Ivoire, emerged champions at the 34th edition after a thrilling final against Super Eagles who came inches away from clinching their fourth title.
Nigeria being among the highest ranked nations as per the latest FIFA Rankings issued out on 20th June 2024 will occupy Pot 1, with the same procedure to be followed for Pot 2, 3 and 4 to make up the 48 nations.
The concluded draw of the qualifiers will be made up of 12 Groups of 4 teams (Group A to L), where the first and runners-up in the 11 groups that do not involve tournament hosts Morocco, will gain qualification to the competition.
Meanwhile, Cote d Ivoire’s Emerse Faé, as well as Moroccan legend, Marouane Chamakh, have been named as draw assistants.
Emerse Faé etched his name in the history books of Ivorian football on home soil when he guided the Elephants to continental glory after an initial set back, which saw him take over the reins in an interim position from the knockout stages to the final.
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The 40-year-old masterminded one of football’s most dramatic turnaround stories, guiding Cote d’Ivoire to their third African title through series of nail-biting encounters, which culminated in the final against Nigeria, which they won. He was subsequently named substantive coach, allowing him to chart a new path in a career that barely took off months ago.
As a professional player, his career was cut short by injuries. He played at French club Nantes, where he spent the majority of his career between 2003 and 2007
From 2007 to 2009, he played for Reading FC, before finishing his career at OGC Nice, where he stayed between 2009 and 2012. He retired on February 1, 2012, at just 28 years old.
As for Marouane Chamakh, he is highly rated as one of the best forwards to have come from Morocco.
Before turning professional, Chamakh honed his skills at Nérac FC from the tender age of four, before joining French football side Bordeuux where he became an instant sensation, enjoying a memorable stay that concluded with 230 appearances that were coupled with 56 goals between 2002 and 2010.
Boasting 65 international caps for the Atlas Lions, the former Moroccan captain, who was also part of the team that finished second at the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON in 2004, enjoyed a successful playing career that also includes a three-year stay at Arsenal which was followed by another successful three seasons at Crystal Palace.
Now 40, the retired striker who netted 18 times for the Atlas Lions, from 65 appearances, was a goal poacher of note at club level, with 71 career goals to his name.
Julius Okorie is Chief Sports and Entertainment Correspondent for Prime Business Africa. He began his journalism career with the Champion Newspaper and Sporting Champion and later moved on to Daily Independent and the Nation Newspapers. Okorie joined Prime Business Africa in 2024 bringing on board 20 years of experience in writing investigative news on Sports and Entertainment. His well researched and highly informative articles on Sports Business and general entertainment are followed by a wide range of audience.
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