The stage is set for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) draw, where the Super Eagles of Nigeria will discover their group stage opponents. Following their impressive runner-up finish at the 2023 tournament under the guidance of Jose Peseiro, the team is determined to secure their fourth AFCON title.

Seeded in Pot 1 alongside heavyweights like Morocco, Senegal, Egypt, Algeria, and Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria has avoided the continent’s most formidable teams in the group stage. However, the journey to AFCON glory will still require navigating through a field of strong contenders from the other pots.

The pot allocations promise thrilling matchups:

Pot 1: Morocco, Senegal, Egypt, Algeria, Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire

Pot 2: Cameroon, Mali, Tunisia, South Africa, DR Congo, Burkina Faso

Pot 3: Gabon, Angola, Zambia, Uganda, Equatorial Guinea, Benin Republic

Pot 4: Mozambique, Comoros, Tanzania, Sudan, Zimbabwe, Botswana

CAF’s structured draw procedure will sequentially assign teams from each pot into one of four groups: A, B, C, or D. Nigeria’s position in Pot 1 ensures they will lead one of these groups.

A Potential Group of Interest
Should Nigeria be drawn into Group C (C1), they could face a tough yet manageable lineup:

C1: Nigeria

C2: Cameroon

C3: Zambia

C4: Tanzania

A matchup against rivals like Cameroon would undoubtedly light up the tournament, while clashes with Zambia and Tanzania could provide unpredictable challenges.

Likely Scenarios
Nigeria’s strongest test will come from Pot 2, where teams like Mali, Tunisia, or Cameroon present a serious threat. Pot 3 and Pot 4 may seem easier, but teams like Zambia, Gabon, or Zimbabwe are capable of springing surprises.

As the draw approaches, anticipation grows. Will the Super Eagles secure a favorable group or find themselves in a potential “group of death”? All eyes will be on CAF’s announcement on Monday as fans eagerly await the next chapter of Nigeria’s AFCON journey.