AFCON 2025: Grand Stade de Tanger ready to shine as showcase arena and economic engine

Samuel Ahmadu in Tangier!

…..Renovations to be completed by September 30 ahead of continental football festival

The Grand Stade de Tanger is set to become one of the centerpiece venues of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), following a comprehensive renovation program that will be completed by September 30, 2025.

Architect Anouar Amoui confirmed during a media tour on August 31 that the works, undertaken in line with CAF and FIFA recommendations, will ensure the stadium is fully ready to welcome international competitions of the highest level.

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During AFCON 2025, the Grand Stade de Tanger will play a central role, hosting Senegal’s three group matches along with fixtures featuring DR Congo, Benin, Botswana and Côte d’Ivoire.

The stadium will also stage a round of 16 encounter, a quarter-final and a semi-final, making it one of the most prominent arenas of the tournament. It is also among the Moroccan facilities presented for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which the Kingdom will co-host.

The renovations encompass the upgrading of stands, modernization of locker rooms and media spaces, improvement of access routes and security, and the installation of advanced technological systems.

These efforts reflect Morocco’s determination to provide players, officials and fans with world-class sporting conditions.

Tangier, a historic city at the crossroads of Africa and Europe, adds strategic weight to this investment. Today, it is not only a cultural destination but also an economic powerhouse anchored by the Tangier Med port complex, which has become one of the most dynamic logistics hubs in the Mediterranean.

By hosting AFCON 2025 matches, the city gains an opportunity to showcase its modern identity, combining economic dynamism, cultural richness and a unique passion for sport.

The renovation of the Grand Stade de Tanger is also part of Morocco’s wider vision to leverage major sporting events as catalysts for sustainable infrastructure.

Once complete, the venue will not only host football matches but also international concerts, cultural festivals and economic forums, consolidating Tangier’s role as a regional hub for global exchanges and large-scale gatherings.

Samuel Ahmadu

Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. On the back of domestic engagement since 2008, he began his international career journey at Goal.com in February 2014, where he served as an African women's football correspondent for nearly eight years. During his tenure at Goal.com, Samuel covered major events such as three Women's Africa Cup of Nations (2016, 2018, 2022) and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada plus 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His work at Goal.com earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his in-depth profiles of African football stars, notably Asisat Oshoala, whose rise he documented from her early years to her breakthrough at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2014. Prior to his role at Goal.com, Samuel freelanced for various print and broadcast media outlets in Nigeria, including Graphics Newspaper, Radio Nigeria, Grace FM, and Savid Newspaper. His extensive experience and expertise led to his appointment to the Nigeria Football Federation's Standing Committee on Women's Football Development from 2016 to 2018. Since February 2018, Samuel has been the Social Media Manager for Nigeria's women's national teams.In 2019, Samuel joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a women's football content contributor and was promoted to Women's Football Editor in 2021. His contributions to women's football continued as he worked as a Media Consultant for Content Creation and Editorials at the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League. Currently, Samuel also serves as the spokesman for the Nigeria Women Football League, further solidifying his influence and dedication to the growth of women's football in Africa.

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