Excitements to Expect from Group D Teams as the Stars Play AFCON 2025

Not just a football competition, the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is a celebration of the continent’s pride, culture, and unity. Each edition of the tournament not only showcases incredible athletic talent but also serves as a platform to highlight the continent’s global influence in sports. In this 35th edition of Africa’s premier national team tournament, the blend of established giants and rising challengers will be thrilling football fans with drama, skill, and surprises. Group D was among the 12 groups that decided the teams which qualified for the AFCON final tournament in Morocco. 

This group consisted of four teams: Nigeria, Benin, Libya and Rwanda. These teams come with diverse profiles and varying prospects for the tournament. In this analysis, we’ll examine the current standing, key players, historical performance, and prospects for each of these nations in the tournament that parades 23 other sides. It can be expected that each of these Group D members will be contributing their unique qualities to the competition that runs from the 21st of December 2025 to the 18th of January 2026

Nigeria: Football Powerhouse with Ambition and Resolve 

The 2025 AFCON will be the 21st time the Super Eagles of Nigeria will be featuring in the tournament, returning home with the prized trophy as African champions in 1980, 1994 and 2013. They also finished as runners-up on five occasions.

In recent years, Nigeria’s national team has undergone a transition, with new players coming through the ranks. Ademola Lookman, the reigning African Footballer of the Year, will be Nigeria's creative engine, while talismanic striker Victor Osimhen remains the team’s standout goal threat. Both Lookman and Osimhen netted twice during the qualifiers, underscoring their importance to the Super Eagles' ambitions.

The Super Eagles topped a competitive qualifying group that featured Benin, Libya, and Rwanda. Their campaign was marked by resilience and attacking flair, with key players stepping up at crucial moments.

Nigeria enters the 2025 AFCON with the goal of reclaiming the continental crown after a hiatus since their 2013 triumph. 

With Coach Eric Sekou Chelle on the saddle, who has already begun infusing tactical discipline and an attacking philosophy into the team, Nigeria will look to build on their runner-up finish at the last edition held in Côte d'Ivoire. Chelle, a former defender with vast experience coaching on the continent, has emphasized consistency and mental fortitude as the keys to success for the Super Eagles in Morocco.

What’s more? The Super Eagles boast one of the tournament's most potent attacking lineups, with their depth in forward positions making them a nightmare for opposing defenses. However, questions linger over their midfield and defensive cohesion, which could prove decisive against top-tier opposition.

If Coach Chelle can fine-tune Nigeria’s attack and improve defensive stability, the Super Eagles could be among the favorites for the title. Their strength in depth, especially in key areas like attack and midfield, suggests they are well-placed to challenge for the championship.

Benin: The Cheetahs’ Long-Awaited Return

The men’s senior football team of Benin Republic, nicknamed The Cheetahs, will be returning to the Moroccan soil for the African Cup of Nations 37 years after the 1988 edition won by Cameroon.

The West African republic returns to the AFCON after missing the last two editions, securing qualification by the narrowest of margins. This will be Benin’s fifth appearance in the Africa Cup of Nations finals, with their best finish being a quarter-final place in 2019.

They finished second in Group D, using a goal difference to edge out Rwanda, with whom they shared eight points. Amongst the notable players that are likely to feature for Benin in Morocco include: Andréas Hountondji (Standard Liege), Steve Mounié (Augsburg), Olivier Verdon (Ludogorets Razgrad).

With experienced coach Gernot Rohr at the helm, Benin is poised to reignite its AFCON journey. Rohr’s tactical expertise and proven leadership bring renewed hope to a team eager to make a lasting impact.

The Cheetahs is a team that has shown gradual improvement in African football in recent years. Historically, they have been less successful on the continental stage, but they have made significant strides, most notably reaching the quarterfinals of AFCON 2019. While they are not typically seen as one of the powerhouses in African football, Benin has proven to be a tough opponent and an emerging force in African football.

The side may not be expected to win AFCON 2025 but they have the potential to pull off surprises and upsets. Their compact playstyle, discipline, and the presence of match-winners in key areas could see them progress to the knockout stages, possibly even to the quarterfinals or beyond. Much will depend on their ability to compete against more talented teams, but their rise in African football makes them a team to watch.

Rwanda: The Dark Horse

Rwanda, also known as the Amavubi (the Wasps), is one of East Africa's strongest teams, but they are not considered a major threat in continental football. Their AFCON history has been modest, with their best performance being a Round of 16 finish in 2004. However, the team has shown resilience and growth over the years. 

In the qualifying stages for AFCON 2025, the Amavubis made history when they defeated the Super Eagles of Nigeria at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, securing eight points.

Rwanda has a blend of youth and experience, and they are known for their strong work ethic. The side's qualification for AFCON 2025 was an impressive achievement, as they overcame stiff competition in their qualifying group. Under coach Carlos Alós Ferrer, Rwanda has developed a solid tactical foundation. They play with high intensity and focus on team cohesion rather than individual brilliance. Their recent form in international friendlies and qualifiers shows promise, but they face stiff competition in a tough AFCON group.

Rwanda will be hoping to coast home to victory during the tournament with major players include Ange Mutsinzi,and Innocent Nshuti both of whom were instrumental in the side’s stunning defeat against the Super Eagles of Nigeria. They also have the talented forward, Jacques Tuyisenge, who has been instrumental in the team’s attack.

 In midfield, the experienced Bertrand Usengimana brings creativity and composure, while the defense is anchored by the solid Eric Nsabimana. Rwanda does not have the luxury of many top-tier European-based players, but they have built a cohesive unit that can be difficult to break down.

Rwanda is seen as a dark horse for AFCON 2025. While they are not among the favorites, they are capable of causing upsets. If they can continue their solid form and maintain their defensive stability, Rwanda has a realistic chance of making it to the knockout stages and could even advance further if they continue to play as a united team. However, their lack of high-profile players may ultimately hinder their progress against the continent's elite sides.

Libya: Bowed but not Cowed Knights Bent on Proving a Point

The men’s senior national team of Libya, known as the Mediterranean Knights, has a somewhat tumultuous football history, marred by political instability and internal conflict. This makes it the third time they will be qualifying for AFCON, with their best result being a runners-up finish at the 1982 edition, which they hosted. 

The Knights’ performances have been inconsistent. Although they sit at the bottom of Group D with just five points, Libya’s qualification for this 35th edition of AFCON is already being seen as one of the greatest comebacks in African football.

The team’s main strength lies in its unity and the tactical discipline instilled by its coach. However, Libya lacks the star power of other continental heavyweights, and they will need to rely on collective effort to succeed.

Key Players: Libya’s team features several players plying their trade in domestic leagues, as well as a few who have ventured abroad. Ahmed Fathi and Mohamad Al-Ghanudi are expected to be key figures in midfield, providing creativity and control. In attack, players like Osama Al-Akili will be tasked with finishing chances, while the defense, led by the experienced Ali Salama, will have to stand firm against the attacking threats of other teams.

Prospects: Libya’s chances in AFCON 2025 doesn’t appear so bright as the Knights’ morale may have been dampened by the heavy sanctions recently slammed on them by CAF. This was after the Super Eagles of Nigeria were held hostage at Al Abraq International Airport.

CAF awarded Nigeria three points and three goals after Libya were found guilty of breaching rules, and the football federation was also fined USD 50,000. Another factor that can work against Libya is the somewhat limited experience of their squad. These may however turn out to be a motivation for the side to prove that they are no underdogs in African football. So, don’t rule out surprises and upsets from the Mediterraneans.