The Confederation of African Football (CAF) Executive Committee met in Marrakech, Morocco, on Monday, December 16, 2024, under the leadership of President Dr. Patrice Motsepe to finalize the competition calendar for the 2025 football season.
This announcement provides clarity on key dates for Nigerian football teams, including the Super Eagles, Flying Eagles, and clubs competing in continental tournaments.
CAF revealed that the highly anticipated final draw for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will take place on January 27, 2025, in Rabat.
The tournament will then kick off on December 21, 2025, with the final scheduled for January 18, 2026.
Host nation Morocco, known for its growing influence in African and global football, last hosted AFCON in 1988, where the Super Eagles narrowly lost 1-0 to Cameroon in a controversial final.
For Nigeria’s Flying Eagles, who recently clinched the WAFU B U20 Championship, their campaign in the U20 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire begins on April 26, 2025, and ends on May 18, 2025.
Meanwhile, the U17 Africa Cup of Nations, also hosted by Morocco, will run from March 30 to April 19, 2025.
CAF also confirmed the dates for interclub competitions, with Nigerian clubs eagerly awaiting their participation.
The CAF Champions League final will be contested over two legs on May 24 and June 1, 2025, while the CAF Confederation Cup final is scheduled for May 17 and May 25, 2025.
Key Dates for CAF Competitions in 2025
- U17 Africa Cup of Nations (Morocco 2025): The tournament kicks off on Sunday, March 30, 2025, with the final slated for Saturday, April 19, 2025.
- U20 Africa Cup of Nations (Côte d’Ivoire 2025): Action begins on Saturday, April 26, 2025, and concludes with the final on Sunday, May 18, 2025.
- CAF Confederation Cup (2024/25): The two-legged final will take place on Saturday, May 17, 2025, and Sunday, May 25, 2025.
- CAF Champions League (2024/25): The final's first leg is set for Saturday, May 24, 2025, with the second leg following on Sunday, June 1, 2025.
- CAF Women’s Champions League (2025): Matches begin on Saturday, November 8, 2025, and the tournament wraps up with the final on Sunday, November 23, 2025.
- Africa Cup of Nations (Morocco 2025): The continent’s flagship competition starts on Sunday, December 21, 2025, and concludes with the grand final on Sunday, January 18, 2026.
