The race to secure qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is intensifying, with eight countries already confirming their spots at the prestigious continental event. Following the completion of matchday four fixtures, these nations have secured early qualification for the tournament, set to be hosted in Morocco.

So far, Egypt, Senegal, Angola, DR Congo, Algeria, Cameroon, Burkina Faso, and Morocco have guaranteed their participation. As teams across the continent continue to battle for the remaining tickets, these early qualifiers are now focused on maintaining momentum for next year’s showpiece.

Below is a detailed breakdown of each team’s journey to qualification.

1. Senegal – The Teranga Lions Keep Roaring

The reigning champions of Africa, Senegal, clinched qualification with a dramatic 1-0 win over Malawi. Talismanic forward Sadio Mane scored deep into stoppage time, securing a crucial victory in the 96th minute. This result ensured the Teranga Lions collected 10 points from their first four matches.

Senegal remains unbeaten in the qualifiers with three wins and one draw, sitting second in Group L, tied on points with Burkina Faso but behind on goal difference. They will face both Burkina Faso and Burundi in their remaining group matches, but their ticket to Morocco is already confirmed.

2. Burkina Faso – Stallions Race Ahead in Group L

Group L leaders, Burkina Faso, are another team that has secured their place at AFCON 2025. The Stallions achieved back-to-back wins over Burundi, earning them 10 points and maintaining an unbeaten record.

Although they still have matches against Senegal and Malawi to play, Burkina Faso’s consistent performance has ensured they will be among the participants in Morocco. They will now aim to finish top of the group by maintaining their form.

3. Angola – Perfect Run Keeps Palancras Negras on Top

Angola’s national team, known as the Palancras Negras, has been unstoppable in their qualifiers so far. They have won all four of their matches, amassing 12 points to top Group F. Their latest triumph came with a narrow 1-0 victory over Niger, securing their spot at next year’s tournament.

Despite their flawless performance so far, Angola still has two games remaining—against Ghana and Sudan. With their qualification already assured, they will focus on fine-tuning their preparations for the AFCON finals.

4. DR Congo – Leopards Book Their Place with Early Success

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has also confirmed their participation in Morocco. The Leopards secured qualification after defeating Tanzania in both legs of their recent encounters, topping Group H in the process.

Under the guidance of coach Sébastien Desabre, DR Congo’s team has showcased resilience and tactical discipline. With two matches still to play, they will aim to finish the qualifiers on a high note, setting their sights on making an impact at the AFCON tournament.

5. Algeria – Desert Foxes Blaze Through with 100% Record

The Desert Foxes of Algeria have been in dominant form, winning all four of their matches in Group E to gather 12 points. Their latest success was a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Togo, ensuring they are one of the early qualifiers.

Algeria’s remaining games against Equatorial Guinea and Liberia are now mere formalities. The North African giants will look to carry their flawless form into the tournament as they seek to reclaim the title they last won in 2019.

6. Cameroon – Indomitable Lions March to Their 22nd AFCON Appearance

Cameroon, one of Africa’s most consistent footballing nations, has secured their 22nd AFCON appearance. The Indomitable Lions are leading Group J with 10 points, following three wins and one draw.

Their qualification was sealed with solid performances throughout the campaign, and they still have two remaining fixtures—against Kenya and Zimbabwe. With their place in Morocco assured, Cameroon will aim to continue their strong run and contend for yet another AFCON title.

7. Egypt – Pharaohs Eye Eighth Title Despite Salah’s Absence

Seven-time AFCON champions Egypt have also confirmed their qualification with two games to spare. Despite missing star player Mohamed Salah, the Pharaohs secured a 1-0 victory over Mauritania, bringing their points tally to 12 at the top of Group C.

Egypt’s dominance in the qualifiers has been evident, and they will now set their sights on extending their record with an eighth AFCON title when the tournament begins in Morocco.

8. Morocco – Hosts and Group B Leaders Keep Winning

As hosts, Morocco automatically qualified for the tournament, but that hasn’t stopped the Atlas Lions from showing their strength in the qualifiers. They sit atop Group B with a perfect record, winning all four of their matches so far.

The Atlas Lions, who made a historic run to the semifinals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, will enter the AFCON 2025 as one of the favorites. Their depth and star-studded squad will make them a formidable opponent on home soil as they chase a second continental title.

Summary

The race for qualification is far from over, but these eight teams—Morocco, Egypt, Senegal, Angola, DR Congo, Algeria, Cameroon, and Burkina Faso—have already confirmed their places. With two matchdays remaining in the qualifiers, the focus for these nations will shift towards fine-tuning their preparations for the tournament in Morocco.

As the AFCON draws closer, the stage is set for a thrilling competition. The early qualifiers will look to build on their strong campaigns, while the remaining teams continue to battle for the remaining spots in what promises to be another unforgettable edition of the Africa Cup of Nations.

The House of Representatives has cautioned that the recent surge in petrol prices could spark widespread social unrest if not promptly addressed.

This warning followed a deadlocked meeting on Wednesday between the Federal Government and labor unions, which ended without a resolution on the rising fuel costs.Last week, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) increased fuel prices at its retail outlets, with petrol in Abuja climbing to N1,030 per litre from N897.

In Lagos, the price rose from N868 to N998, and other parts of the country witnessed similar hikes.

This marked the second price increase in a month, reflecting a 14.8% rise, or an additional N133 per litre.

The price hike has already led to higher transportation fares and food costs, further worsening inflation and intensifying public outcry.

Both the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) condemned the increase, demanding its immediate reversal to alleviate the growing hardship on Nigerians.

House Calls for Reversal and Local Refining EffortsIn response, the House passed a motion urging the Federal Government to immediately roll back the increases in petrol and cooking gas prices, emphasizing the need for urgent intervention.

The motion, titled “Urgent Need to Suspend the Increased Cost of Petrol and Cooking Gas and Provide a Stop-Gap Solution,” was sponsored by Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda alongside 100 other members.During plenary, Chinda expressed concern that the removal of fuel subsidies, combined with global oil market volatility and the depreciation of the naira, had severely burdened Nigerians.

He noted that the rising cost of petrol and gas was driving up transportation, food, and healthcare expenses, leaving many families in financial distress.

He warned that unchecked inflation could lead to poverty, social unrest, and economic instability.

“The government promised to rehabilitate refineries and increase domestic refining capacity, but the promised progress has yet to materialize,” Chinda lamented.

The House Minority Whip, Ali Isa, criticized the frequent fuel price hikes, urging the government to avoid policies that suffocate the populace.

“The people are suffering. The government must listen to their cries and provide relief,” he stressed.Similarly, Yusuf Gagdi, representing Kanke/Pankshin/Kanam in Plateau State, said the motion reflects the daily struggles of Nigerians.

He emphasized the need for immediate action to improve citizens’ welfare.

Deputy Minority Whip George Ozodinobi argued that the escalating fuel prices had rendered the newly introduced N70,000 minimum wage ineffective.

“Our farmers can’t transport their produce to the markets, leading to food inflation.

We must review our membership in OPEC if necessary to tackle these challenges,” he suggested.

Recommendations for Economic StabilityThe House directed the NNPC, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, and other relevant agencies to expedite repairs on the nation’s refineries to reduce dependence on imported petroleum products.

Additionally, it called on the Central Bank of Nigeria to adopt monetary policies that would ease the inflationary pressures resulting from the fuel price hikes.

To foster long-term stability, the lawmakers urged the Federal Government to explore alternative energy sources and promote renewable energy solutions to diversify the energy sector.

They also advised state governments to implement policies such as tax waivers to alleviate the economic burden on citizens.

Government and Labour Leaders in Stalemate Meanwhile, a closed-door meeting held in Abuja between the Federal Government and labor unions ended without consensus.

Present at the meeting were key government officials, including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume; National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu; Finance Minister Wale Edun; and Ministers of Petroleum, Budget, and Labour.

A source familiar with the meeting disclosed that the unions insisted on an immediate reduction in fuel prices, while the government urged them to reconsider.

“Both parties stood their ground, and no agreement was reached,” the source said, hinting that further meetings would follow.

After the meeting, Minister of Information Mohammad Idris acknowledged the ongoing engagement with labor unions.

“This is a continuous process. Government is committed to working with labor to find solutions that benefit all Nigerians,” he said.Finance Minister Abubakar Bagudu defended the government’s policies, stating that difficult decisions were necessary to ensure long-term economic stability.

He highlighted recent GDP growth, contrasting it with economic contractions in countries like Germany and the UK.

“Though inflation remains a challenge, it is not unique to Nigeria,” Bagudu explained. “Energy prices are rising globally, and many countries are facing similar cost-of-living crises.

However, we are confident that these tough measures will yield positive results.”Bagudu added that improvements in the economy were beginning to take shape, with increased investments and better funding for government institutions.

“We believe we have navigated through the most difficult phase and expect better outcomes moving forward,” he concluded.

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) is on the rise and has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years, largely thanks to the unwavering commitment of strategic partners to the NPFL, GTI Group.

By laying down robust structures for transparency and accountability, GTI Group has significantly helped to improve the integrity and reputation of the elite league, ensuring that every dime from sponsors and investors of The Nigeria Football Fund (TNFF) are meticulously utilised and accounted for.

GTI’s initiative to enhance transparency in the NPFL goes beyond mere intentions; it involves concrete actions that laid the groundwork for accountability.

This commitment not only bolsters the league’s financial health but also promotes confidence among stakeholders, including fans, sponsors and players.

One of the critical challenges that faced the NPFL before the coming of GTI Group in the 2022/2023 season was crowd violence. However, the financial investment firm and the NPFL Board led by Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye have worked harmoniously and tackled this issue head-on by implementing measures to curb this menace at match venues.

The placement of trained security personnel, implementation of zero tolerance to crowd violence and the issuance of fines against erring clubs cum their fans have fostered a safer environment for lovers of the beautiful game in the country.

As a result, match attendance has astronomically increased, allowing for a more vibrant and supportive atmosphere.

The enhanced transparency in match operations by NPFL has also sparked renewed hope and a sense of friendly competition among clubs.

With the increase in fair play and adherence to regulations, fans and players alike are experiencing a new wave of excitement.

This was exemplified on Match Day 3 of the ongoing 2024/2025 season, where the league witnessed an impressive display of five-star performance: five away wins, three draws, and two home wins.

This feat has never happened in the history of the elite league and reflects the blossoming football economy of Africa’s most populous nation. 

GTI Group and NPFL’s relentless effort has laid the foundation for a prosperous league that attracts local and international talents from neighbouring countries in the round-leather game.

By focusing on transparency, infrastructural development and security, GTI and NPFL are not just transforming the league; they are creating a sustainable environment where football can thrive.

As we celebrate these positive changes, it is essential to acknowledge the role of every stakeholder in this journey.

The NPFL is no longer just a platform for entertainment; it is a thriving business-oriented industry with the potential to inspire generations to come.

The transformation of the NPFL, championed by GTI Group, reflects a brighter future for Nigerian football. With the ongoing commitment and collaboration, the NPFL will continue to flourish, bringing glory to clubs and excitement to fans across the world.

The Presidency has assigned key government figures to manage the country in the absence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, who are both currently overseas.

The designated officials include Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) George Akume, and various federal ministers.

A statement from Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, emphasized that there is no leadership vacuum despite the absence of the nation’s two highest-ranking officials.

“The President and Vice President remain fully engaged with national affairs, even while abroad, and all state organs are functioning smoothly,” the statement read.

The report clarified that President Tinubu left Nigeria on October 3 for a two-week working vacation, while Vice President Shettima recently traveled to Sweden for official engagements.

In response to public inquiries, the Presidency reiterated that government operations remain uninterrupted, with key officials ensuring continuity in governance.Onanuga further compared the situation to similar instances during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

“In 2022, while President Buhari attended the 77th UN General Assembly, Vice President Osinbajo was in the UK for Queen Elizabeth II’s burial. Government functions remained seamless throughout that period,” the statement noted.

This administration also encountered a comparable scenario earlier in the year.

Between late April and early May 2024, President Tinubu traveled to London following visits to the Netherlands and Saudi Arabia for the World Economic Forum, while Vice President Shettima attended the IDA21 Summit in Nairobi and later the US-Africa Business Summit in Texas.

Despite their absence, the machinery of government continued without disruption.

The Presidency stressed that the Nigerian Constitution allows for effective governance, even in the absence of the President or Vice President, noting that modern technology enables leaders to perform their duties remotely when necessary.

In a move to prevent a looming strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), the Federal Government has re-established a seven-member committee to renegotiate the 2009 agreements with university-based unions.

Speaking at the inauguration of the committee in Abuja on Monday, Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, directed the members to conclude negotiations within three months.

The committee includes representatives from ASUU, the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), the Non-Academic Staff of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU), and the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT).

Prof. Mamman emphasized the Tinubu administration’s commitment to enhancing the education sector and fostering harmony in universities.

He acknowledged that while renegotiations had commenced in 2017, various challenges had caused significant delays.

The minister further noted that a previous committee, chaired by Prof. Nimi Briggs, had submitted a draft report addressing key issues.

He urged the newly reconstituted committee to focus on crafting realistic agreements that address the core challenges of the Nigerian University System (NUS).

The chairman of the committee, Dr. Yayale Ahmed, called on the government to support universities in becoming globally competitive.

He also stressed the importance of viewing lecturers’ salaries as investments in the nation’s future.In his remarks, ASUU President Prof.

Emmanuel Osodeke expressed appreciation for the government’s renewed efforts and conveyed optimism about the outcome of the negotiations.

He affirmed the unions’ readiness to engage in discussions, provided the government remains committed to ensuring a stable academic calendar.

Nigeria coasted to a 4-1 victory over flummoxed New Zealand as the 2024 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup finals rolled into action in Santiago de los Caballeros on Wednesday.

Shakirat Moshood scored one of the competition’s fastest goals since it was launched 16 years ago, when she rounded the defence of the girls from Down Under to score the first goal after only 80 seconds at the CFC Stadium.

The precocious Faridat Abdulwahab rocked the crossbar seven minutes later from 23 yards, and in the 13^th minute, Nigeria went two goals up when defender Taiwo Adegoke’s shot from well outside the box was misjudged by the goalkeeper who palmed the ball over the line before scrambling in vain to push it out.

A check with the Video Assistant Referee confirmed that the ball had, indeed, crossed the line.

Firing from all cylinders, Nigeria again rattled the opposing goalkeeper in the 17^th minute, with a sharp shot from Moshood that was punched over the bar.

Four minutes later, Peace Effiong, all over the pitch, heaved the ball too high from six yards. In the 26^th minute, Harmony Chidi rounded the goalkeeper who made a great block on the second attempt.

Captain Taiwo Afolabi stung the goalkeeper’s palms from close range in the 28^th minute, and from the resultant corner kick, Abdulwahab easily lifted the ball over the goalie from 16 yards for Nigeria’s third goal.

In the second half, the Flamingos continued their raid on the opposition goal, and eight minutes into the restart, it was 4-0 after Afolabi’s looping header from Adegoke’s cross from the right sailed over the goalkeeper into the net.

On the hour, Saxon scored a goal right from the training ground, collecting the ball from a corner kick and doing a smart turn to shoot past goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma, thus pulling one back for the New Zealanders.

Although Chidi, Nigeria’s top scorer from the qualifying series, was again foiled in the 75^th minute, the Flamingos finished on the ascendancy and will look forward to another three points against debutants Ecuador on Saturday, that will take them to the tournament’s knockout stage.