The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) draw held in Rabat, Morocco, on Monday, has set the stage for an exciting football spectacle.

The tournament, scheduled to kick off on December 21, will see 24 teams battle for continental glory, with intriguing matchups promising thrilling action.

Morocco, the tournament hosts and one of Africa’s strongest teams, will begin their quest for the title against Comoros in Group A.

They are joined by Mali and Zambia, completing a group filled with potential surprises.

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Morocco, armed with Europe-based stars like Achraf Hakimi, will aim to become only the fourth AFCON host to win the title this century, following Tunisia (2004), Egypt (2006), and Ivory Coast (2024).

CAF president Patrick Motsepe expressed optimism about the tournament, calling it the “most successful AFCON yet.”

He praised Morocco’s preparations and highlighted the significance of hosting the AFCON as a stepping stone for the kingdom’s 2030 World Cup ambitions, which it will co-host with Spain and Portugal.

Originally planned for mid-2025, the tournament was rescheduled to avoid clashing with FIFA’s revamped Club World Cup in the United States.

Despite the change, excitement remains high as Africa’s best footballers converge on Morocco to vie for the continent’s top prize.

Group Stage Draw:

Group A: Morocco, Mali, Zambia, Comoros

Group B: Egypt, South Africa, Angola, Zimbabwe

Group C: Nigeria, Tunisia, Uganda, Tanzania

Group D: Senegal, DR Congo, Benin, Botswana

Group E: Algeria, Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, Sudan

Group F: Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Gabon, Mozambique

Former Belgian international footballer, Radja Nainggolan was arrested on Monday in connection with a large-scale investigation into cocaine trafficking through the port of Antwerp, the Brussels prosecutor’s office has confirmed.

The arrest followed a series of raids conducted across Belgium in the early hours of the morning. Several suspects were detained, including Nainggolan, as part of the operation.

“The investigation concerns alleged facts of importation of cocaine from South America to Europe, via the port of Antwerp, and its redistribution in Belgium,” prosecutors said in a statement.

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Further details regarding the case have not yet been made public.

Nainggolan, 36, who was born in Antwerp, recently came out of retirement to join Belgian second-division club Lokeren. The midfielder made his debut over the weekend, scoring a goal in a 1-1 draw against K. Lierse.

The former national team star enjoyed a decorated career, earning 30 caps and scoring six goals for Belgium. He also played for top Italian clubs, including Roma, Inter Milan, and Cagliari, before returning to Belgium in 2021 to join Royal Antwerp. However, his stint there ended in early 2023, following a series of controversies.

Known for his brash personality and off-field incidents, Nainggolan was suspended in late 2022 after being caught smoking an electronic cigarette on the bench, according to Belgian media.

No timeline has been given for further proceedings.

Reigning Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) champions, Rangers International F.C., will be flying into Maiduguri, Borno State, for their crucial Matchday 21 clash against the President Federation Cup holders, El-Kanemi Warriors F.C.

Biztellers reports that the Flying Antelopes would be flown by Max Air.

Inside sources at the Enugu Rangers have it that following a disappointing home loss in their previous match, the “Flying Antelopes” are determined to regain their winning form.

It was gathered that a 27-man delegation will depart Abuja on Monday morning for the short flight to Maiduguri, with the match scheduled for Wednesday, January 29th, 2025.

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The team aims to swiftly move past their recent setback against Niger Tornadoes and climb back up the league table.

“We are heading to Maiduguri with the sole objective of securing a positive result and keeping pace with the front-runners,” declared team captain, Ugwueze Chinemerem. “We have analyzed our previous match and are fully focused on regaining the lost ground.”

It’s worth noting that in the reverse fixture earlier this season on August 31st, 2024, Rangers and El-Kanemi played to a goalless draw at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu.