The journey to the CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 in Morocco is nearing its thrilling conclusion, with only five qualification spots remaining as Matchday 6 looms. With the tournament scheduled from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, 19 teams have already punched their tickets, including Nigeria, South Africa, and defending champions Côte d’Ivoire.

Nigeria Secures Group D’s Top Spot

The Super Eagles of Nigeria confirmed their qualification in dramatic fashion during the penultimate round. Libya’s narrow 1-0 win over Rwanda earlier in the day guaranteed Nigeria a top-two finish in Group D. However, the group’s final fixtures remain crucial, as Libya, Benin, and Rwanda are still locked in a fierce battle for the second spot.

In a tense encounter, Victor Osimhen found the back of the net to salvage a 1-1 draw for Nigeria against Benin, securing the Eagles’ position at the top. Benin, however, faces a must-win scenario in their final game against Libya, while Rwanda will need nothing short of a miracle in Uyo, where they face the group leaders.

Other Groups Set for Decisive Showdowns

Group I: Guinea-Bissau and Mozambique are set for a high-stakes winner-takes-all clash.

Group H: Tanzania hosts Guinea in another pivotal encounter with qualification on the line.

Group F: Sudan requires just a draw against Angola to qualify but risks elimination with a loss, potentially allowing Niger to sneak through.

Group C: Botswana must overcome Cape Verde and Mauritania while tackling an intimidating away match against already-qualified Egypt.

Teams Already Qualified for AFCON 2025

Hosts: Morocco
Qualified Nations: Algeria, Angola, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Comoros, Côte d’Ivoire, DR Congo, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Mali, Mozambique, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Tunisia, Uganda, Zimbabwe