The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign is approaching its thrilling conclusion, with the final spots for next year’s 24-team tournament in Morocco set to be decided during the current international break. As the dust settles, one of Africa’s perennial powerhouses is on the brink of a shocking elimination, while another looks poised to secure its place in style.
Ghana Faces Uphill Battle
Five-time champions Ghana find themselves in a precarious position, staring down the barrel of only their second AFCON absence since 1990. The Black Stars, now under the guidance of former national team star Otto Addo, must win both of their remaining matches against Angola and Niger while hoping group leaders Sudan stumble twice to have any chance of qualification.
Ghana’s decline in recent years has been stark, with group stage exits in two of the last three tournaments marking a stunning fall from grace for a side that reached the semifinal or final in six consecutive AFCONs between 2008 and 2017. Failure to qualify for Morocco 2025 would represent rock bottom for a talented squad that had been tipped by many to challenge for the title.
Addo Gambles on Partey Omission
Compounding Ghana’s woes is the shock omission of midfield lynchpin Thomas Partey, with Addo revealing he held a “confidential conversation” with the in-form Arsenal star before deciding to leave him out of the squad. In-demand right back Tariq Lamptey and veteran centre back Alexander Djiku are also notable absentees for the pivotal qualifiers.
For me, the team is like a family, and I don’t intend to talk about external problems. He wanted to come, but I clearly explained why he wasn’t. It’s confidential, and difficult for me to mention all of the details.
Otto Addo on Thomas Partey’s omission
While Addo has remained tight-lipped about the specifics behind Partey’s absence, there’s no denying it leaves an already daunting task looking nearly impossible for the Black Stars. Ghana will need a miracle reminiscent of their stunning 2010 World Cup quarterfinal run to book a spot in Morocco next summer.
Nigeria Riding High Behind Osimhen
In stark contrast to their West African rivals, Nigeria are sitting pretty atop Group D, requiring only a point from matches against whipping boys Benin and Rwanda to seal qualification. The Super Eagles have navigated a period of transition in recent times, including a managerial carousel, but the goals of red-hot striker Victor Osimhen have shot them to the brink of the AFCON.
Osimhen, widely regarded as Africa’s premier number nine, has been in scintillating form for club and country, netting seven goals in his first six games for new club Galatasaray. His blend of pace, power, and predatory finishing adds a frightening dimension to a Nigeria attack also featuring Ballon d’Or nominee Ademola Lookman and emerging Bayer Leverkusen star Victor Boniface.
Having a striker like Osimhen is every manager’s dream. He’s got the complete package and is a defender’s nightmare. With him leading the line and the talent around him, Nigeria will be a force to reckon with in Morocco.
A Nigerian team source on Victor Osimhen
Osimhen’s return from injury has Nigeria fans dreaming of ending their decade-long AFCON drought, with the Super Eagles’ last title coming in 2013. The Napoli hitman looks primed to fire his nation back to the summit of African football and establish himself as the continent’s most feared marksman in the process.
The Final Countdown
As the AFCON qualifying campaign reaches its crescendo, a feast of enticing subplots and storylines are waiting to be written. From the desperation of Ghana’s last stand to the growing confidence of a Nigeria team hitting its stride at the perfect time, the final two matchdays promise no shortage of drama and excitement.
When the dust settles, 24 teams will emerge to battle for the coveted AFCON crown in Morocco. But before dreams of glory can crystallize, there is work still to be done. For Ghana and Nigeria, two proud footballing nations with 11 AFCON titles between them, the immediate future could scarcely look more different. Where one is lurching towards an era-defining disaster, the other is accelerating towards a golden horizon.
The stage is set. The stakes are high. It’s time for Africa’s stars to either shine or stumble under the bright lights of international football’s grandest theater. The AFCON is coming, but who will be there to chase immortality on the Mediterranean coast? We’re about to find out.
