2025 Afcon Qualifiers Draw: Nigeria renew Benin and Rwanda rivalry in Group D

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Nigeria’s senior men’s national team has been drawn in Group D of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Qualifiers after the draw which took place at SuperSports studios, Johannesburg, South Africa on Thursday.

The coach of Cote D’Ivoire (holders of the 2023 AFCON), Emerse Fae served as the draw assistant.

He was joined by Moroccan international and former Arsenal player, Marouane Chamakh.

The three-time African champions will face two of their group opponents in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, Benin Republic and Rwanda for the AFCON Qualifiers.

It will also see the West African giant up against their former coach, George Rohr who masterminded a 2-1 win over his former side in the last World Cup Qualifiers.

North African side, Libya complete the teams in Group D.

Holders Cote D’Ivoire were drawn against Zambia, Sierra Leone, and Chad.

Host, Morocco which has qualified for the tournament is up against Gabon, Central African Republic (CAR), and Lesotho.

The top two teams at the end of the qualifying series will make it to AFCON 2025 apart from Group B which has host, Morocco.

A team will join the host team from the group at the competition.