As Morocco gets ready to host AFCON 2025, Nigerian football fans and prospective international travellers have more than just match‑day dreams. They have a rare chance for real, legal international travel, a passport stamp, a clean visa record, and a travel history that could open doors for future visas abroad.
With free e‑visas, simplified access, and a digital system tailored to fans, this tournament offers perhaps the smoothest gateway to international travel many Nigerians have seen.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: TOURNAMENT, MATCHES & HOST CITIES
- The tournament runs from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026.
- The host nation—the Morocco national football team—will play in the opening match on 21 December 2025, at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
- Matches will be held across nine stadiums in six Moroccan cities, including Rabat, Casablanca, Marrakech, Agadir, Fès and Tangier, offering visitors both a football spectacle and a cultural/tourist experience.
- Tickets are already selling. Third-phase ticket sales opened in mid-November after earlier phases sold over 298,000 tickets to African and global buyers.
In short, it’s not just one match; it’s a multi‑city, month‑long football festival and a perfect window for travel and exposure.
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What makes AFCON 2025 stand out is how easy and accessible Morocco has made it for fans, including those from Nigeria:
- Through the official YALLA App, fans can apply for both an e‑Visa (electronic visa/authorisation) and a Fan ID in one go.
- The e‑visas are free of charge for fans travelling to the tournament.
- The Fan ID is mandatory for stadium entry and for purchasing official match tickets.
- The YALLA App is available via the Google Play Store or Apple Store — or via the web at yallamorocco.ma.
- Customer support is available 24/7 in English, French and Arabic via a help desk and email to assist fans with visa/Fan ID requests.
A travel agent, Biodun Akintoye, the proprietor of Easy travels said: “This streamlined process removes much of the traditional hassle that accompanies international travel: no cumbersome embassy visa visits, fewer paperwork barriers, and a direct route from application to ticket to travel.”
WHY THIS IS A SMART MOVE FOR NIGERIANS MORE THAN JUST FOOTBALL
Akintoye said, “For many Nigerians, attending AFCON 2025 is not just about football, It is about building a credible travel record, something immigration and visa authorities in Europe, North America or elsewhere value when assessing applications.
He listed why travelling to Morocco now could pay off long-term:
- A Clean, Documented Trip — With an official Fan ID, match ticket, return flights, hotel booking and a passport stamp from Morocco, you build a record showing you travel for legitimate reasons and return home.
- First Step in Global Travel History — For first-time international travellers, this counts as a verified foreign trip. It strengthens your passport profile and builds trust with visa-issuing authorities elsewhere.
- Low Risk, High Reward — Because e‑Visa is free and the system is digital, costs and logistics are manageable compared to typical international visa/travel procedures.
- Cultural Exposure + Tourism — Beyond matches, visiting Moroccan cities offers exposure to new culture, history, languages, and tourism experiences — making the trip valuable on multiple levels.
- Flexible Return & Documents — Return flight + valid visa period + travel insurance + clean fan/traveller record — all available under the current AFCON 2025 setup.
Akintoye argued that for Nigerian youths, professionals, creatives and even business‑minded travellers, a clean first overseas trip could transform future travel plans — helping with university admissions, job applications, visa approvals abroad, and global mobility.
HOW TO DO IT RIGHT: A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE FOR NIGERIAN FANS
- Download the YALLA App (on Google Play, the Apple Store or via yallamorocco.ma).
- Register for your Fan ID; if required, request the e‑Visa/AEVM through the same app.
- Once the Fan ID is approved, go to the official ticket portal (tickets.cafonline.com) and buy match tickets.
- Book your return flight and hotel/accommodation early; demand is high. Consider flights and rooms around host cities (Rabat, Casablanca, Marrakech, etc.) as part of your itinerary.
- Prepare travel documents: passport (valid 6+ months), bank statements or proof of funds, travel insurance, round‑trip ticket, and maybe a letter of employment or business to show you intend to return after the tournament.
- Travel, enjoy the match(es), respect local rules, and return on time. This ensures your trip counts as a clean, responsible travel history.
AFCON 2025 Travel Budget: Nigerian Fans
| Expense Item | Description / Notes | Estimated Cost in USD | Estimated Cost in Naira (₦1,445/USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Round-trip flight (Nigeria ↔ Morocco) | Economy class, booked early | $700 – $1,000 | ₦1,011,500 – ₦1,445,000 |
| Accommodation (7 nights, mid-range hotel/riad) | Comfortable stay in host city (Rabat, Casablanca, Marrakech) | $50/night → $350 total | ₦505,750 |
| Daily expenses (food, local transport, sightseeing) | ~$20/day for 7 days | $140 | ₦202,300 |
| Match tickets (group stage / mid-tier) | Entry to the stadium and local transport included | $50 – $100 | ₦72,250 – ₦144,500 |
| E-Visa + Fan ID | Mandatory for AFCON fans via YALLA App | Free | Free |
| Travel insurance (optional but recommended) | Basic coverage for 7 days | $20 – $40 | ₦28,900 – ₦57,800 |
| Miscellaneous / souvenirs | Small personal spending | $30 – $50 | ₦43,350 – ₦72,250 |
Total Estimated Budget Scenarios (7-day trip)
| Traveller Type | Estimated Total in USD | Estimated Total in Naira |
|---|---|---|
| Budget-conscious | $890 – $1,040 | ₦1,285,000 – ₦1,503,000 |
| Mid-range traveller | $1,140 – $1,390 | ₦1,645,000 – ₦2,006,000 |
| Premium / Flexible traveller | $1,350 – $1,690 | ₦1,950,000 – ₦2,440,000 |
Notes for Nigerian Fans
- Book early: Flights and hotels rise in price as AFCON dates approach.
- Use the YALLA App: Free e-Visa and Fan ID are required for stadium entry.
- Keep documentation: Return tickets, Fan ID, and hotel receipts strengthen your passport record.
- Budget for extras: Souvenirs, snacks, or emergency spending.
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR THE FUTURE AND WHY NIGERIANS SHOULD ACT FAST
This isn’t just a football event; it could mark a turning point in how many Nigerians build global mobility.
In a continent where travel records are often clouded by visa refusals or overstays, AFCON 2025 in Morocco offers a rare, legit, low‑risk gateway for Nigerians to get an internationally recognised passport stamp, one that could unlock future visa approvals, travel opportunities, and global exposure.
Because of high demand, limited seats, and tourism influx, this window will close soon. Those who act fast securing Fan ID, tickets, visa and travel plans stand to gain not just memories from the stands, but a valuable travel history that speaks volumes.
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Akintoye said, “AFCON 2025 in Morocco isn’t just a stage for football glory; it’s a chance for Nigerians to make their passports work for them.
“By planning carefully, securing a Fan ID, and travelling responsibly, fans can enjoy the game, explore a new country, and leave with more than memories – a clean, credible travel history that opens doors for the future. The stadium lights may dim after January 18, but the stamp in your passport could shine for years to come.”
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
