The draw for the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 has been completed, setting the stage for an exciting tournament. Notably, Nigeria will be absent from the competition after failing to qualify, marking a significant moment in African youth football.
The draw, held on Thursday, placed Uganda and Tanzania in Group A, alongside host nation Morocco. Other teams were drawn into competitive groups, with strong contenders like Senegal, Cameroon, and defending champions Senegal expected to make deep runs in the tournament.
The absence of Nigeria, a five-time U-17 world champion, has drawn reactions from football analysts, who see it as a setback for the country’s youth development system. Nigeria’s failure to qualify comes despite the country’s strong track record in youth competitions, raising concerns about talent identification and football administration.
Meanwhile, South Africa has announced a preliminary 42-man squad for the tournament, featuring emerging talents such as Downs Starlets’ Witbooi. Other participating nations are finalizing their preparations, with teams set to begin training camps ahead of the tournament kickoff.
The CAF U-17 AFCON serves as a key pathway to the FIFA U-17 World Cup, with the top teams securing qualification. As the competition approaches, fans will be watching closely to see which teams emerge as the next generation of African football stars.
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