The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations will be the 35th edition of the tournament and is set to take place in Morocco from the 21st of December 2025 with the final scheduled to hold on the 18th of January 2026 as 24 African nations compete for continental glory.
A number of exciting talents have been handed the chance to feature on Africa’s biggest stage for the first time, as their countries place faith in them in their bid to secure victory at the tournament.
From Cameroon’s midfielder Carlos Baleba to Nigeria’s forward Akor Adams, here are five players set to make their Africa Cup of Nations debut in Morocco.
Carlos Baleba (Cameroon)
Cameroon midfielder Carlos Baleba has been an ever-present member of the Indomitable Lions’ squad since making his senior debut in June 2024 and could be set for his first appearance at the African Cup of Nations when they take on Gabon in their group F opener on the 24th of December.
The 21-year-old has caught the attention of top European clubs after consistent performances for Brighton and Hove Albion, and could be set for the next big move of his career with a brilliant display at the championships.
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Akor Adams (Nigeria)
Super Eagles striker Akor Adams enjoyed one of the most impressive national team debut in history when he scored within minutes of coming on as a substitute in the 2-1 win over Lesotho in October.
The Sevilla forward’s impressive performances earned him a place in Nigeria’s final 28-man squad, and he will be eyeing another goalscoring debut when the three-time champions take on Tanzania in their opening match on the 23rd of December.
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Amad Diallo (Ivory Coast)
Surprisingly, Manchester United forward Amad Diallo is yet to make his African Cup of Nations debut, despite earning his first senior cap for Ivory Coast back in 2021.
The winger missed out on the 2021 AFCON due to injury, and although he seemed set to feature in the 2023 edition, he was ultimately left out of the squad that went on to lift the trophy with a 2-1 victory over Nigeria in the final.
However, Amad has been included in this year’s squad and will be aiming to carry his impressive club form onto the international stage as the Elephants face Cameroon, Gabon, and Mozambique in Group F, with hopes of defending their crown.
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Brahim Diaz (Morocco)
Brahim Diaz made his debut for the Atlas Lions in March 2024, after switching allegiances from Spain and has already showcased his importance to the team with eight goals in 15 appearances.
The Real Madrid forward is one of the first names on the team list and is set to make his debut when Morocco face Comoros in the competition’s opening game as they aim to end their 49-year wait for the AFCON crown.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka (DR Congo)
England-born defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka is set to represent the Democratic Republic of Congo at the 2025 African Cup of Nations and could make his debut against Benin Republic on December 23.
The former Manchester United right-back switched his international allegiance from England earlier this year and has played in all the Leopards’ matches, including their CAF playoff final victory over Nigeria for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
