AFCON 2025: Team arrivals turn Morocco’s airports into runways

With just two days to go before the opening whistle of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2025, the host nation is rolling out the red carpet for Africa’s football elite — and the arrivals are already delivering a vibrant blend of fashion, culture and anticipation.

From Rabat to Casablanca, Marrakech and Agadir, the first wave of teams touching down has transformed airport terminals into runways.

Early arrivals set the tone

Among the first teams to arrive were Comoros, who will face hosts Morocco in Sunday’s opening match. The Coelacanths landed earlier this week, stepping into the spotlight with calm confidence ahead of their third consecutive AFCON appearance since their debut in 2022.

Comoros touched down dressed in sharp thawbs, the traditional long, ankle-length robes worn by men across the Indian Ocean archipelago

Mali: culture on full display

Few teams made a stronger first impression than Mali. The Eagles touched down in Casablanca wearing striking white traditional Bogolan outfits, layered with woven overcoats and matching hats — a powerful tribute to Malian heritage.

The sartorial choice carried added significance, with 2025 declared Mali’s “Year of Culture.”

Comoros embrace the spotlight

Comoros arrived on Wednesday, 17 December, dressed in elegant thawbs, the long, ankle-length robes traditional across the Indian Ocean archipelago. Later appearances in traditional Nkandu attire further highlighted the island nation’s cultural roots.

Calm but quietly confident, the Coelacanths know Sunday’s opening-night clash against hosts Morocco offers a global stage to announce their presence once again at AFCON.

Benin: Baatonu heritage on show

Benin’s Cheetahs also made a striking entrance, arriving in Morocco dressed in Baru Bekuru, the traditional woven attire of the Baatonu people.

The colourful, intricately patterned garments showcased Benin’s cultural depth and underscored the team’s pride as they return to Africa’s biggest football stage.

Nigeria arrive in signature style

One of the most eye-catching arrivals came from Nigeria, whose star-studded Super Eagles touched down in Fes to a buzz of excitement from fans. Dressed in impeccably tailored green traditional attire, the squad blended heritage with modern sophistication.

From embroidered details to sleek contemporary cuts, the outfits celebrated Nigeria’s iconic green and white colours, projecting confidence and elegance as the players stepped off the plane.

That celebration will reach its first crescendo on Sunday when hosts Morocco face Comoros in the opening match, officially launching a month-long football festival that promises drama, diversity and, ultimately, a new champion of Africa.