Super Eagles Icon Joseph Yobo to Star in AFCON 2025 Draw in Morocco

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has revealed that Nigerian football legend Joseph Yobo will play a prominent role in the highly anticipated TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 Final Draw. This historic event, set to shape the path for 24 of Africa’s finest teams, will take place at the Mohammed V National Theatre in Rabat on Monday, January 27.

A Star-Studded Event with African Football Icons

Joseph Yobo, one of Nigeria’s most celebrated footballers, will share the stage with African legends such as Mustapha Hadji, Serge Aurier, and Aliou Cisse. These football greats will not only assist in conducting the draw but also provide expert analysis of the groupings. The ceremony is scheduled to commence at 19:00 local time (18:00 GMT, 20:00 Cairo time).

CAF’s decision to include these decorated players underscores their commitment to celebrating Africa’s rich football heritage. For Yobo, this is another opportunity to showcase his enduring legacy in African football.

Joseph Yobo: A Nigerian Legend with Unmatched Records

Joseph Yobo’s illustrious career is a testament to his dedication and skill. With 101 caps for Nigeria, he remains one of the most capped players in Super Eagles history. Over a remarkable 13-year international career, Yobo achieved several milestones:

  • AFCON Champion: Yobo captained the Super Eagles to their third AFCON title in 2013.
  • World Cup Appearances: Represented Nigeria in three FIFA World Cups (2002, 2010, 2014), amassing 10 appearances on the global stage.
  • Defensive Records: Holds the record as the defender with the most appearances for the Super Eagles.
  • Top-Scoring Defender: Shares the record with William Troost-Ekong as Nigeria’s highest-scoring defender, with seven goals.

Yobo’s club career was equally impressive. He spent a significant part of his career at Everton in the English Premier League, becoming a fan favorite. His professional journey also included stints in Belgium, France, Spain, and Turkey, where he consistently demonstrated his defensive prowess.

The Road to AFCON 2025

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations will be hosted by Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026. The tournament promises to be a showcase of African football excellence, featuring top teams and players vying for continental glory.

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Nigeria, still recovering from their narrow 2-1 loss to Cote d’Ivoire in the 2023 AFCON final, will be eager to make amends. The Super Eagles, under the guidance of their new coaching staff, are determined to reclaim their position as Africa’s top team.

Teams Qualified for AFCON 2025

The 24 teams that have secured their spots in the tournament are:

  • Algeria
  • Angola
  • Benin
  • Botswana
  • Burkina Faso
  • Cameroon
  • Comoros
  • Cote d’Ivoire
  • Democratic Republic of Congo
  • Egypt
  • Equatorial Guinea
  • Gabon
  • Mali
  • Morocco (hosts)
  • Mozambique
  • Nigeria
  • Senegal
  • South Africa
  • Sudan
  • Tanzania
  • Tunisia
  • Uganda
  • Zambia
  • Zimbabwe

These teams, featuring heavyweights like Algeria, Senegal, and hosts Morocco, will discover their group-stage opponents during the draw in Rabat. The stakes are high, as the path to continental glory becomes clearer.

A Celebration of African Football Excellence

The AFCON draw ceremony is more than just a procedural event; it’s a celebration of African football’s growth and talent. With icons like Joseph Yobo taking center stage, the event promises to inspire the next generation of players and fans alike.

As the football world turns its attention to Rabat, anticipation builds for the drama and excitement that the AFCON 2025 will undoubtedly deliver. For Nigeria, the journey begins with this draw, as the Super Eagles aim to add another chapter to their storied history.