2025 promises to be an action-packed year for Nigerian football, with national teams at all levels preparing to thrill fans as they compete for glory across multiple tournaments.
As the year unfolds, the Super Eagles, Super Falcons, CHAN Eagles, Flying Eagles, and Golden Eaglets are set to take on fierce rivals while aiming to bring silverware back home.
With the stakes higher than ever, here’s an exciting breakdown of the competitions Nigerian teams will feature in this year
February: CHAN Eagles return to the African stage
CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN)
1–28 February 2025
The Super Eagles B will kick off Nigeria's footballing calendar at the African Nations Championship (CHAN), hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
This will mark Nigeria’s first appearance at the tournament since 2018. Reserved exclusively for players plying their trade in domestic leagues, the CHAN Eagles led by Daniel Ogunmodede will aim to make a statement on their return, showcasing the depth of talent in the Nigeria Premier Football League and the Ngeria National League.
2026 FIFA World Cup qualification
March – October 2025
Parallel to their AFCON ambitions, the Super Eagles will resume their quest for a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Currently fifth in their qualification group behind Rwanda, South Africa, Benin, and Lesotho, the Eagles have work to do to secure one of Africa’s coveted nine slots at the expanded World Cup.
Key matches in March, September, and October will determine whether they can rise to the occasion.
March: Golden Eaglets target World Cup ticket
U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON)
30 March – 19 April 2025
The Golden Eaglets will begin their quest for glory at the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Having secured their spot by winning bronze at the 2024 WAFU B tournament, the Eaglets will now aim to secure one of the ten coveted slots for Africa at the expanded 48-team U-17 World Cup.
April–May: Flying Eagles eye global stage
U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON)
26 April – 18 May 2025
The Flying Eagles will represent Nigeria at the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire.
With four U-20 World Cup spots up for grabs, Aliyu Zubair’s men will be determined to secure their place at the global tournament.
A top-four finish will guarantee Nigeria’s presence among the world’s elite youth sides later in the year.
July: Super Falcons chase 10th WAFCON title
Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON)
5–26 July 2025
In July, all eyes will be on the Super Falcons as they head to Morocco for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
The nine-time champions will be eager to reclaim their title after falling short in the last edition where they did not even get a medal.
South Africa, the reigning champions, will pose a significant challenge, but the Falcons are determined to make their mark once again.
September: Flamingos begin World Cup qualification
U-17 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers
19–21 September (First Leg), 26–28 September (Second Leg)
Bankole Olowookere’s Flamingos will begin their qualification campaign for the 2025 U-17 Women’s World Cup, set to be hosted by Morocco.
After a successful showing in recent editions, expectations are high for the team to secure their spot and continue their legacy or even win it this time.
October: Falconets look to secure U-20 World Cup berth
U-20 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers
6–14 October 2025
The Falconets, Nigeria’s U-20 women’s team, will commence their qualification journey for the 2026 U-20 Women’s World Cup.
With a bye into the round of 32, they are expected to be among the continent’s strongest contenders for a ticket to the global showpiece.
December/January: Super Eagles target AFCON glory
Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON)
21 December 2025 – 18 January 2026
The pinnacle of African football returns as the Super Eagles head to Morocco for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
After topping their qualifying group, Nigeria will aim to secure their fourth AFCON title, having last won the competition in 2013.
Following their runners-up finish in 2023, the Super Eagles will look to go one step further.
