Key Matchups to Watch in AFCON 2025 Qualifiers 

The AFCON 2025 group draws set the tone for the entire tournament, influencing team strategies and preparation. The qualifiers not only outline the path teams must take to reach the finals but have stirred up intense rivalries and speculation. Here are some AFCON 2025 qualifying teams and matchups you should watch out for:

Group D: Nigeria vs. Benin 

The Super Eagles are favorites but have been paired with a long-time rival, the Benin Squirrel, in the AFCON 2025 group stage. Benin and Nigeria played against each other in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. With Benin now being managed by the former Nigerian coach Gernot Rohr, they beat the Super Eagles 2-1. The Eagles are seeking a new manager as their previous one, Finidi George, resigned after they lost the 2026 Africa World Cup qualifiers match to Benin. 

Under the coaching of Gernot Rohr, Benin has shown a mix of promising performances. However, the Eagles have top-tier international players with great capabilities. In their last ten head-to-head games, Nigeria won 8, and Benin won 2, giving Nigeria a higher chance of winning the AFCON 2025 group stage. However, will the change of coaches make a significant difference during the qualifiers? This will be a fiercely competitive match to look forward to.

Group G: Ivory Coast vs. Zambia

The Ivory Coast Elephants won the 2024 AFCON title after beating Nigeria 2-1 in the finals, ranking them among the best 2023 AFCON teams. However, the Elephants have been placed in a challenging group for the AFCON 2025 qualifiers, as they will be playing against 2012 AFCON champion Zambia. During the last AFCON qualifying match, the Elephants lost 3-0 to the Zambia Chipolopolo. 

Historically, Zambia has proven to be a tough opponent for Ivory Coast, considering their previous head-to-head matches. In the last six games, Zambia won 3, the Ivory Coast won 2, and both teams drew once. Ivory Coast’s recent form has been solid, with strong performances, giving them a promising outlook for the AFCON 2025 group stage. 

Emerse Fae, the Elephant’s coach, was among the draw assistants and is confident that the team will be able to outperform Zambia this time. During an interview, he stated that he knows it will be a very difficult game. However, the elephants have learned from their previous games against Zambia and won’t be repeating the same mistakes. 

Group J: Cameroon vs. Namibia 

The Indomitable Lions (Cameroon) are the second-best team in AFCON and among the top 10 African teams in the latest FIFA ranking. The Lions have claimed the title five times and three other podium finishes. Namibia’s brave warriors have proven to be a challenge for the Cameroon lions. The Namibia brave warriors tied 1-1 with the Indomitable Lions in their first 2023 AFCON qualifiers match. 

During the second qualifier match, the brave warriors beat the Indomitable Lions 2-1, shocking fans. The Lions somehow managed to qualify for the 2023 AFCON despite having poor runs.  Cameroon’s dramatic comeback in the 2023 AFCON made headlines and had fans hoping, but they were knocked out 2-0 in round 16 by the Super Eagles. 

The Indomitable Lions are known for their skill and resilience, but the brave warriors have made great improvements in recent years. The brave warriors have only lost 1 out of their last five matches. Analysts state that the Cameroon Lions will have to tread with caution during the AFCON 2025 group stage as their opponents will prove a challenge