For Premier League midfielder Alex Iwobi, the Africa Cup of Nations is not just another tournament; it's a "special" experience where the continent's heart beats strongest. As Nigeria gears up for the 2025 finals, Iwobi's words highlight a deeper mission: to reclaim glory and celebrate African unity through football.

The tournament, kicking off this Sunday in Morocco, represents a pivotal moment for the Super Eagles. The pain of losing the 2023 final to Ivory Coast, compounded by the failure to qualify for the World Cup, serves as powerful fuel for a team eager to restore its continental dominance. For Kenyans watching from the sidelines after Harambee Stars' qualification bid ended in disappointment, Nigeria's journey is a reminder of the passion and stakes involved in Africa's premier sporting event.

A Festival Beyond Football

Iwobi, who has graced some of world football's biggest stages, insists AFCON's magic lies beyond the final whistle. "With Afcon, you get to celebrate Africa through football," he noted. "You get to see different cultures, you get to see how different people dress... we play music, so we're celebrating our music through that as well."

This cultural mosaic will be on full display across six Moroccan cities from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026. The tournament is a significant economic engine, projected to generate over $192 million (approx. KES 24.9 billion) and draw up to a million visitors to the host nation.

High Stakes and Rich Rewards

The financial incentives have never been higher. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has increased the prize money, with the champions set to pocket a record $10 million (approx. KES 1.3 billion), a 43% increase from the previous edition. The total prize pool stands at an impressive $32 million (approx. KES 4.1 billion).

Here is a breakdown of the prize money:

• Winner: $10 million (approx. KES 1.3 billion)
• Runner-up: $4 million (approx. KES 520 million)
• Semi-finalists: $2.5 million each (approx. KES 325 million)
• Quarter-finalists: $1.3 million each (approx. KES 169 million)

Nigeria's Path to Redemption

Nigeria, three-time champions, face a challenging path in Group C alongside Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania. Their campaign begins against Tanzania on December 23rd. Iwobi, who has been in stellar form for his club Fulham, acknowledged the pressure but sees it as a motivator. He explained that his role for the national team is often more disciplined compared to the attacking freedom he enjoys at his club, a tactical nuance the team will need to perfect.

While Kenya's Harambee Stars will not be in Morocco, having been eliminated during the qualifiers, the dream of continental glory remains alive. The nation will now look towards co-hosting the 2027 edition with Uganda and Tanzania, an opportunity to bring the vibrant celebration Iwobi speaks of to East African soil.