The qualification matches began with the preliminary round in March 2024 and it concluded with the group stage in November 2024. The group stage consists of 12 groups, each containing four teams, top two teams from each group will qualify for the tournament, along with the best four third-placed teams.

Which teams have qualified for AFCON 2025?

The tournament will feature 24 teams, with Morocco automatically qualifying as the host nation. 24 countries have booked their place ahead of next year's competition. The qualified teams include, Senegal, DR Congo, Algeria, Cameroon, Burkina Faso, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Cote d’Ivoire, Uganda, South Africa, Gabon, Tunisia, Nigeria, Angola, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Comoros, Mozambique, Tanzania, Mali, Sudan, Benin Republic.

When is the draw for AFCON 2025?

The Confederation of African Football is yet to announce the date of the group draw for the finals.

When will the AFCON kick-off?

the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations will kick off from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.

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The Super Eagles had initially booked the top spot in the group ahead of the competition that will be hosted in Morocco next year (2025). Nigeria came into the game against Rwanda with some of the first-team players returning to their clubs since the fixture was inconsequential.

The first half ended goalless as both sides failed to create chances as they lacked urgency when they got to the final third of the opponents.

The second half started with intensity from both sides, the Super Eagles interim coach, Augustine Eguavoen made two quick substitutions. Samuel Chukwueze replaced Iheanacho while Frank Onyeka came on for Yusuf after he suffered a heavy tackle in the first half.

Chukwueze broke the deadlock with a solo effort in the 59th minute. Picking up the ball from Onyeka in midfield, he skillfully evaded three defenders before slotting it into the bottom right corner of the net.

Rwanda came back into the game with two quick goals in three minutes which was enough for them to claim all three points.

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The West African nation sealed their qualification with two games to spare ahead of their away game against Benin Republic on Thursday, November 14, 2024. The Super Eagles of Nigeria achieved this feat after Libya defeated Rwanda in an earlier fixture on the same day.

However, Nigeria went on to play a 1-1 against Benin; this result puts the Super Eagles at top of Group D with 11 points, followed by the Benin Republic with seven points. Only the top two teams qualify for the group, which is currently being occupied by Rwanda and libya.

The Super Eagles started the qualification campaign with a 3-0 victory over the Benin Republic. Nigeria moved to 10 points on the table after they were awarded three points by CAF after Libya was punished for the way they treated the Super Eagles at the airport ahead of the away game.

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This meeting between the Benin Republic and Nigeria is the 18th time that both sides will be facing each other in a competitive match. This fixture has been dominated 14 times by Nigeria, losing two and having drawn twice.

The Super Eagles need a draw in Thursday's match to guarantee a spot in the 35th AFCON, which will take place in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.

Head to Head

This is the second time that both teams will be facing each other after Nigeria lost in the qualifying round for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Super Eagles of Nigeria recorded a 3-0 victory at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium against Benin Republic.

Time and Where to watch Benin Republic vs Nigeria

The game will be played on Thursday, November 14, 2024. It is set to begin at 8 p.m. Nigeria time at the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny in Abidjan.

The match will be available on one of Dstv's Supersport channel and AfroSport

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In light of the ongoing investigation into the hostage incident involving the AFCON 2025 qualifiers match between Libya and Nigeria, the African football governing body, CAF, has reached a final decision based on recent revelations.

Troost Ekong recently posted on social media confirming that Libya has been found guilty of the accusations made against them by the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF). As a result, the Super Eagles of Nigeria have been awarded three points and three goals, along with a fine of $50,000 imposed on Libya.

His post on social media read, "JUSTICE: CAF awards three points and three goals to Nigeria. Libya fined $50,000. Plane was diverted 300km from scheduled airport even when the pilot told them he was low on fuel. One step closer to our target AFCON 2025."

This was also confirmed by CAF in its latest press release on the incident. Before the final judgement, the CAF president spoke at a recently concluded general meeting on the severity of the situation and how CAF will work to reach a resolution.

Patrice Motsepe stated, "We should have zero tolerance. When there was this problem of the Nigerian national team in Libya, I will not comment on that because there is a proper investigation. But I want to emphasise a principle that we will not tolerate. This is something that has been going on for quite some time. Forget about the Libya vs Nigeria situation; forget about that; appropriate action will be taken. I have heard too many stories about a football club or national team that goes to a country. You spend hours at the airport, and they ask you about documents that don't exist. Apparently, during COVID, they would look at the best players and then say those ten players have got COVID. But it is this lack of sportsmanship that has existed, and we haven't taken effective action. We are reviewing those laws, and we want to emphasise sportsmanship."

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Patrice Motsepe was speaking in a press conference where he condemned the situation that happened to the Super Eagles of Nigeria at the Libya airport ahead of the AFCON 2025 qualifying match.

Libya vs Nigeria scandal: What did CAF President say?

Patrice Motsepe condemned the incident but insisted that he would not speak on the situation pending when the body reaches a final decision.

"We should have zero tolerance. When there was this problem of the Nigerian national team in Libya, I will not comment on that because there is a proper investigation. But I want to emphasise a principle that we will not tolerate. This is something that has been going on for quite some time. Forget about the Libya vs Nigeria situation; forget about that; appropriate action will be taken. I have heard too many stories about a football club or national team that goes to a country. You spend hours at the airport, and they ask you about documents that don't exist. Apparently, during COVID, they would look at the best players and then say those ten players have got COVID. But it is this lack of sportsmanship that has existed, and we haven't taken effective action. We are reviewing those laws, and we want to emphasise sportsmanship."

Nigeria were scheduled to play against Libya in the return leg of the clash last week Tuesday, October 15, 2024, but opted not to play the game after they were held hostage for over 20 hours at the airport.

According to reports, the team’s flight to Benghazi, where the match was supposed to take place, was diverted to the small airport away from Benghazi just as the pilot was completing his approach to the Benghazi Airport.

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In light of Ghana's potential exit from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Mohammed Kudus in his recent post on social media issued a heartfelt apology to Ghanaians for the team's failure to meet their expectations addressing the possible failure to qualify for the tournament.

Taking to his social media platform, Kudus, who captained the team in the recent matches, expressed, “With great humility and a deep sense of responsibility, I issue this statement as someone who led the team in both games. On behalf of the entire squad, I sincerely apologize to the people of Ghana for our disappointing performances against Sudan in Accra and Libya. Despite giving our all on the field, the results fell short of our aspirations and the pride we feel in representing our beloved nation.”

He went on to add, “We understand the disappointment and frustration this has caused, and we share those emotions deeply. We want to reassure Ghanaians that we are committed to learning from our mistakes, regrouping, and working tirelessly to restore the Black Stars to our former glory. We truly appreciate the unwavering support and loyalty you’ve shown us, and we are determined to make you proud once again. We urge all fans to continue standing by us during this difficult time. Your encouragement and belief in us are what drive our determination to succeed. We will not give up, and we look forward to redeeming ourselves in the upcoming matches.”

Will Ghana qualify for AFCON 2025?

Ghana now faces two crucial fixtures in the AFCON qualifiers against Angola and Niger thereby making their chances of qualifying for AFCON 2025 slim. To secure their place in the next stage, they must not only win these games but also hope that Sudan, currently second in the group, drops points in their remaining matches. The outcome of these encounters will ultimately decide Ghana's fate ahead of the tournament.

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Following the 'hostage situation' ahead of the AFCON 2025 qualifier, Libya vs Nigeria, more questions have emerged after it was confirmed that the President of the Libyan Football Federation, Abdelhakim Al-Shalmani, had tendered in his resignation the same Sunday, October 13, 2024, the Super Eagles landed in the country.

READ ALSO: Libya vs Nigeria: CAF release a statement on the Super Eagles saga

Why did the President of the Libyan Football Federation resign?

During a regular meeting of the General Assembly, the President of the Libyan Football Federation, Abdelhakim Al-Shalmani, announced his resignation, stating, "I do not wish to be associated with the failures in Libyan sports."

He acknowledged the challenges faced in recent times and expressed gratitude to all General Assembly members, adding, "I hold no grievances against anyone within the sports community." The meeting took place on Sunday.

Al-Shalmani also emphasized his confidence in his past contributions, remarking, "I have an established history with the International, Arab, and African Federations, which is undeniable."

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The Super Eagles, Nigeria's national football team, are preparing to return home from Libya after being stranded.

This development comes as the Libyan government, under pressure from external parties, agreed to refuel the Super Eagles' chartered plane and grant clearance to their airspace.

The Nigerian team had been left at Al Abraq International Airport for more than 15 hours without access to food, water, or the internet.

William Troost-Ekong has now confirmed in his latest update that with the power and help of social media the Super Eagles have been able to facilitate their departure from Libya thereby abandoning the AFCON 2025 qualifiers amidst their filed appeals to CAF.

His post on social media read, "Power of social media. Apparently our plane is being fueled as we speak and we should be leaving to Nigeria shortly. Thanks for everyone’s support! I REITERATE: We would NEVER treat a guest nation for a game in this way. Mistakes happen, delays happen. But never on purpose!"

They are now on their way back to Nigeria, as confirmed by sports journalist Adepoju Tobi Samuel, also known as OgaNlaMedia.

He posted on X: "Following pressure from various sources, the Libyan authorities have finally agreed to provide clearance for ValueJet Airline and supply aviation fuel. They initially tried to require a pre-clearance to land in Benghazi before heading to Nigeria, despite Benghazi being busy yesterday. The NFF has remained firm that the team must be cleared to fly directly from Al-Abraq airport to Nigeria."

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Victor Osimhen has criticized the way Libyan authorities treated the Super Eagles players and officials ahead of the AFCON 2025 qualifiers, Libya vs Nigeria.

The Super Eagles are currently in Libya for their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matchday four clash against the Mediterranean Knights.

The team and their officials remained stranded at Al Abaq Airport, several hours after arriving in Libya, following the diversion of their flight to Al Abaq by Libyan authorities on Sunday night.

READ ALSO: Nigeria vs Libya: Captain William Troost-Ekong sends a clear message to CAF

Additionally, the Nigerian contingent has been refused hotel accommodation by their hosts, leading the players to consider boycotting the match.

His post on social media, “I am disappointed by the unfair treatment my brothers and coaches are facing at the Libya airport last night. Actions like this go against the spirit of sportsmanship. My support is with my team and I know they’ll stay strong despite these obstacles. I call on CAF and other football bodies to intervene, as my teammates and officials are still stranded at the airport in Libya. This is uncalled for and inhumane. We stand together, together than ever.”

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Following the ongoing situation involving the national team for Nigeria ahead of their AFCON 2025 qualifier against Libya on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, the captain of the Super Eagles, William Troost-Ekong has sent a clear message to CAF indicating that the team representing Nigeria will not be playing the fixture.

He confirmed that due to several antics such as entrapment at the airport, lack of provision of food and water, as well as the basic amenities by the government of Libya in a bid to incapacitate the Nigerian National team ahead of the fixture for Tuesday, the Super Eagles of Nigeria will not play the fixture and have officially sent their appeal to the organisation through the office of the NFF.

His statement on social media read, "12+ hours in an abandoned airport in Lybia after our plane was diverted whilst descending. Lybian government rescinded our approved landing in Benghazi with no reason. They’ve locked the airport gates and left us without phone connection, food or drink. All to play mind games. I’ve experienced stuff before playing away in Africa but this is disgraceful behaviour. Even the Tunisian Pilot who thankfully managed to navigate the last minute change to an airport not fit for our plane to land had never seen something like this before."

He went on to add, "Upon arrival he tried to find a nearby airport to rest with his crew to be denied at every hotel again under Government instruction. He could sleep there but NO NIGERIAN crew members allowed. They have returned to now sleep on the plane which is parked up. At this point we have called for our Nigerian Government to intervene and rescue us. As the captain together with the team we have decided that we will NOT play this game. CAF should look at the report and what is happening here. Even if they decide to allow."

"this kind of behaviour, let them have the points. We will not accept to travel anywhere by road here even with security it’s not safe. We can only imagine what the hotel or food would be like given to us IF we continued. We respect ourselves and respect our opponents when they are our guests in Nigeria. Mistakes happen but these things on purpose have nothing to do with int. football. We respect ourselves and respect our opponents when they are our guests in Nigeria. Mistakes happen but these things on purpose have nothing to do with int. football."

William Troost-Ekong was not the only player to express his discomfort on the whole situation as other players such as Victor Boniface, Bright Osayi-Samuel and even the NFF have all expressed their discomfort on the entire situation.

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In a shocking turn of events, the Super Eagles have been delayed in the airport in Libya ahead of their AFCON 2025 qualifiers, Libya vs Nigeria scheduled for Tuesday, October 15, 2024, for what has been estimated to be over 12 hours, this has prompted an official statement from the football federation in Nigeria (NFF) declaring that the team would not be participating in the group D fixture highlighting that the focus right now would on how to get the players back to Nigeria.

What did the NFF's statement say about Nigeria's airport delay?

The NFF in the early hours of today, Monday, Octoer 14, 2024, released an official statement regarding the ongoing situation involving the Super Eagles of Nigeria in Libya.

The statement shared by sports journalist read, "Super Eagles still at Al Abraq Airport 12 hours after landing in Libya! The delegation of Nigeria to Tuesday’s 2025 AFCON qualifier against Libya still remained at the Al Abraq Airport 12 hours after landing in Libya. The chartered ValueJet aircraft was, strangely and in a dangerous manner, diverted to the small airport away from Benghazi just as the pilot was completing his approach to the Benghazi Airport."

"We understand the Al Abraq International Airport is only used for hajj operations. Fatigued players and officials have remained nonplussed as the host Libyan Football Federation failed to send any reception team or even vehicles to take the delegation members from the airport to their hotel, said to be 3 hours away in Benghazi. The NFF made arrangements for separate vehicles for the team, but the plan was unhinged by the diversion of the aircraft. Players have resolved not to play the match any longer as NFF officials are making plans to fly the team back home."

What happened to the Super Eagles in Libya?

According to Super Eagles media officer Promise Efoghe, the team's chartered flight was nearing its destination in Benghazi when it was unexpectedly rerouted to a different city, located over two hours away from their intended base.

The squad, along with their officials, had departed Nigeria for Libya on Sunday morning and have been delayed at the airport for over 13 hours without a place to rest or even internet access.

Meanwhile, Libyan players expressed dissatisfaction with the treatment they received from Nigerian authorities upon their arrival in West Africa last week. This followed their 1-0 loss in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matchday three, where Fisayo Dele-Bashiru scored the winning goal just four minutes before the final whistle.

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Lead striker for the Super Eagles of Nigeria Victor Osimhen in his recent update has reacted to the performance of Victor Boniface in the latest AFCON 2025 qualifiers fixture against Libya on Friday, October 11, 2024.

Following criticism from fans and also interim head coach, Austin Eguaveon, Galatasaray's lead striker Victor Osimhen has shared his thoughts and shown his support for Victor Boniface.

Victor Osimhen encouraged his Super Eagles teammate Victor Boniface after the Bayer Leverkusen striker struggled to find the net in Nigeria's win over Libya. In a supportive message shared on his Instagram story, Osimhen wrote, "No shaking, my guy. It will come, and when it does, it won’t stop."

Boniface has faced criticism for his recent performances with the Super Eagles. He has yet to score since making his debut for the national team. So far, he has registered just one goal contribution in eight appearances, an assist to Samuel Chukwueze during his first match.

Amid the scrutiny, Osimhen's reassurance aims to boost Boniface's confidence, emphasizing that the goals will keep coming once he finds his scoring form. Boniface will be looking to break his goal drought when Nigeria faces Libya in the second leg of their encounter.

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As football fans worldwide prepare for one of the biggest fixtures of the October 2024 international break, Nigeria vs Libya, here are key details such as the lineups, preview, where to watch and analysis to know about the AFCON 2025 fixture.

Nigeria vs Libya head-to-head

With a total of 4 meetings across all competitions and friendlies happening between both sides here are the head to head stats for the Nigeria vs Libya fixture:

Nigeria: 4 wins

Draw: 0

Libya: 0

Nigeria vs Libya preview and analysis

The Super Eagles of Nigeria would be vying to take a significant step towards qualifying for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in what has been viewed as a must win match to ensure a step closer towards qualification for the tournament.

Eguavoen will lead his side face Libya in what has been viewed as a must win for Mediterranean Knights in Group D encounter today, Friday at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.

Under the guidance of interim manager Augustine Eguavoen, Nigeria has had a promising start to the qualifiers, earning a win against the Benin Republic and a draw with Rwanda.

With four points from their two games, the three-time African champions currently lead the group standings.

In contrast, Libya has faced challenges, managing a draw against Rwanda and suffering a defeat to Benin.

The Mediterranean Knights will be aiming to turn their fortunes around in their upcoming match against Nigeria.

Speaking ahead of the fixture Eguavoen stated, “Our best and surest route to the finals will be to pick up the six points in these matches and be somewhat guaranteed of a place in Morocco even before Matchday 5. We don’t want to be in any anxiety in the run-in in this qualifying campaign.”

How to watch Nigeria vs Libya AFCON 2025 qualifiers

It is expected that the Nigeria vs Libya fixture will be available for streaming on the popular pay-TV services multichoice, home to DSTV and GOTV on SuperSports and Wazobia Max TV.

You can also watch Nigeria vs Libya online HERE.

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As the AFCON 2025 qualifiers for Nigeria for October 2024 draws closer, the list of 20 players who have arrived in camp ahead of the fixture have been revealed by the official account of the Super Eagles on social media.

With the first game for the Super Eagles which would be against Libya scheduled for Friday, October 11, 2024, at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo and the second fixture which would be the return leg scheduled for October 15, Austin Eguaveon will be looking to secure all six points against a familiar foe and also place Nigeria in a good spot ahead of the tournament.

Who will play for Nigeria in AFCON 2025 qualifiers?

Here are the players currently in camp for the Super Eagles of Nigeria ahead of the highly anticipated AFCON 2025 qualifiers:

Goalkeepers: -

• Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa)
• Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC, Italy)
• Amas Obasogie (Fasil Ketema FC)

Defenders:

• William Ekong (Al-Kholood FC, Saudi Arabia)
• Bruno Onyemaechi (Boavista FC, Portugal)
• Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion, England)
• Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England)
• Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England)
• Benjamin Taminu

Midfielders:

• Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England)
• Alhassan Yusuf
• Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium)
• Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio FC, Italy)
• Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England)
• Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England)

Forwards:

• Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy)
• Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany)
• Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France)
• Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC, Italy)
• Taiwo Awoniyi (Nottingham Forest, England)

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Following the official announcement and confirmation of Nigeria's squad for AFCON 2025 qualifiers for October 2024, the reason behind the exclusion of Victor Osimhen was finally revealed by the interim manager of the Super Eagles.

Nigeria’s head coach, Augustine Eguavoen has announced his squad ahead of the fixtures coming up and according to Goal.com, Orlando Pirates’ stand-in captain, Olisa Ndah and Galatasaray striker, Victor Osimhen have both been left out of the squad, the reason being that they are both injured.

On Friday, October 11, 2024, Nigeria will play host to Libya in Uyo. Four days later, the team will depart for Benghazi. With two victories, the Super Eagles would have a strong chance of making it to Morocco's Afcon finals.

The Nigerian team has been revealed for their match against Libya in the AFCON 2025 qualifying tournament. The front will be spearheaded by Taiwo Awoniyi of Nottingham Forest and Victor Boniface of Bayer Leverkusen, since vital striker Victor Osimhen is sidelined due to injury. Ademola Lookman, Kelechi Iheanacho, and Samuel Chukwueze are a few other prominent forwards.

The club will rely on Frank Onyeka, Alex Iwobi, and Wilfred Ndidi in the midfield. Regulars like William Troost-Ekong, Bright Osayi-Samuel, and Calvin Bassey are on the defense. The goalkeeping unit includes Maduka Okoye and Stanley Nwabali.

The first game is scheduled for October 11, 2024, at Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo. On October 15, in Benghazi, the second leg will take place.

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