Nigeria at alert as CAF takes first step towards the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco

The Super Eagles impressed at Cote d'Ivoire 2023 after reaching the final before losing to the host nation

Following the success of the 34th of the Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d'Ivoire, preparations are set to begin in earnest for the next edition in Morocco, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Confederation of African Football has announced that the preliminary draw for the Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2025, will take place on Tuesday, 20 February 2024, in Cairo, Egypt.

The draw, a pivotal moment in shaping the tournament, is scheduled for 1 pm Nigerian time.

The preliminary round, a crucial step in the journey to the AFCON, will feature the eight lowest-ranked teams according to the FIFA ranking: Somalia, Djibouti, Sao Tome, Chad, Mauritius, South Sudan, Liberia, and Eswatini.

These teams will battle it out on a home-and-away basis within the FIFA international window of 18-26 March 2024.

The stakes are high as the four victorious teams from the preliminary round will advance to join the 44 exempted teams for the group stage, intensifying the competition for a coveted spot in the main event.

2023 AFCON finalists Nigeria stand among the top-ranked teams for the draw.

Following the latest FIFA ranking, the Super Eagles have ascended to the third position in Africa and the 28th globally.

This marks a significant climb, considering they were ranked sixth on the continent and 42nd in the world prior to the last AFCON.

The silver medal secured by the Super Eagles in the 2023 edition propelled them up the standings.

The Super Eagles' impressive performance in reaching the 2023 AFCON final, albeit losing 2-1 to hosts Cote d'Ivoire at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan, has bolstered their standing on both the continental and global levels.

At present, Morocco and Senegal stand as the top two teams on the African continent, setting the stage for a fierce competition in the upcoming AFCON Morocco 2025.

Nigeria, with three AFCON titles in 1980, 1994, and 2013, as well as five runner-up finishes, will aim to make a formidable mark in the tournament and continue their legacy in African football.