Akpeyi, Ndah, and Man United’s first Nigerian star get front-seat jobs for AFCON 2025 in Morocco

Nigeria’s footballing influence at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations will stretch far beyond the pitch, with three former and current Super Eagles stars confirmed as part of SuperSport’s elite broadcast team for the tournament in Morocco, Soccernet.ng reports.

Odion Ighalo, Daniel Akpeyi and Olisa Ndah will be among the expert analysts providing live studio analysis throughout AFCON 2025, the broadcast giant has confirmed.

The trio will join Ivorian great Salomon Kalou in what could potentially be one of the most powerful on-air line-ups ever assembled for the competition.

The 35th edition of Africa’s flagship tournament will run from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026, with 24 nations competing across 52 matches in what is expected to be the biggest and most technically advanced AFCON in history.

While Nigeria’s Super Eagles attempt to dethrone defending champions Côte d’Ivoire on the pitch, familiar Nigerian voices will guide millions of viewers through every major talking point off it.

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Nigerian experience meets continental royalty

Ighalo, the first Nigerian international to play for Manchester United, arrives in the studio as one of the most recognisable faces of recent AFCON history.

The former Watford and Udinese striker finished as top scorer at the 2019 tournament in Egypt, helping Nigeria secure a bronze medal.

Though he has not played for the Super Eagles in nearly four years, the 34-year-old has yet to formally announce his international retirement and remains closely connected to the national team’s journey.

Akpeyi, Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper at that same 2019 AFCON, brings a contrasting viewpoint. The former Kaizer Chiefs shot-stopper has retired from active football and is now transitioning into coaching after a decorated career in South Africa.

Ndah, meanwhile, represents the modern generation. The Orlando Pirates defender remains active and featured for Nigeria at the 2021 AFCON in Cameroon, offering current, tactical insight into defensive structures and pressing systems.

They will be supported by a wider team of legendary analysts, presenters and content creators, delivering coverage in multiple local languages with enhanced graphics and production quality.

Salomon Kalou, an AFCON winner in 2017 and UEFA Champions League champion with Chelsea, will anchor the panel.

The 2025 AFCON kicks off on Sunday with hosts Morocco facing lowly Comoros in the tournament opener.

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