Lagos, Nigeria’s bustling commercial capital, witnessed a wave of excitement and celebration as the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) trophy made a grand stop in the city. The visit marked part of the ongoing continental AFCON Trophy Tour, organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) in partnership with TotalEnergies, the tournament’s official sponsor.
With the next AFCON set to take place in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, the Lagos stop served as both a symbolic and emotional moment for Nigerian football lovers, rekindling the passion and pride that the game inspires across the nation.
A Grand Lagos Welcome for the AFCON Trophy
The golden AFCON trophy arrived in Lagos to an enthusiastic reception that captured the city’s heartbeat. The tour began at Eko Tower 2, Victoria Island — the corporate hub of Lagos — where dignitaries, media representatives, and football fans gathered to catch a glimpse of the iconic prize.
From there, the glittering trophy made its way to the TotalEnergies service station in Onigbagbo, Maryland, attracting large crowds of excited onlookers who took photos and waved flags in celebration. The final leg of the Lagos event took place at Marcellina’s Place in Ikeja GRA, which transformed into a mini football carnival featuring music, games, and energetic performances.
Everywhere the trophy went, the message was clear: Nigeria’s love for football remains unmatched. Fans filled the streets with chants of “Go Super Eagles!”, eager to see their national team reclaim continental glory at the upcoming AFCON tournament.
TotalEnergies Nigeria: Championing African Football Unity
The Lagos event was hosted by TotalEnergies Marketing Nigeria Plc, a company deeply committed to promoting sports and youth development across Africa. The firm’s leadership emphasized that the AFCON Trophy Tour is more than a brand activation — it’s a celebration of African unity and passion for football.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Samba Seye, Managing Director of TotalEnergies Marketing Nigeria Plc, expressed pride in Nigeria’s football heritage and TotalEnergies’ continued partnership with CAF. He highlighted that Lagos, being one of the most vibrant football-loving cities in Africa, was a natural choice for the trophy stop.
“Football unites people across every border, background, and belief. We are proud to play our part in bringing the AFCON trophy to Nigeria and sharing this joy with our fans,” Dr. Seye said.
Also speaking, Mr. Eri Omobowale, General Manager of Retail & Cards at TotalEnergies, described Lagos as a city that “pulses with the rhythm of football” and encouraged Nigerians to rally behind the Super Eagles as they prepare for AFCON 2025.
Fans Celebrate with Passion and Pride
For football fans in Lagos, the day was a festival of culture, unity, and celebration. From business executives to roadside traders, everyone wanted a photo opportunity with the glittering trophy.
Many fans described the event as a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Social media platforms buzzed with photos and videos tagged with AFCON and Super Eagles hashtags, showing the depth of Nigeria’s football pride.
Children from local schools waved mini Nigerian flags as the trophy convoy passed, while entertainers and influencers added colour to the celebration with dance, drumming, and chants. The entire city seemed to come alive in one heartbeat — a reminder that football remains one of Nigeria’s greatest unifiers.
Super Eagles’ AFCON 2025 Journey: Hopes and Expectations
The Super Eagles of Nigeria are placed in Group C for the 2025 AFCON, alongside Tunisia, Tanzania, and Uganda. Analysts describe the group as competitive but promising, offering Nigeria a strong chance of advancing to the knockout stage.
Following the trophy’s arrival in Lagos, fans renewed their faith in the national team, expressing optimism that this could finally be the year Nigeria clinches its fourth AFCON title.
With a talented blend of local and international stars, including players in top European leagues, the Super Eagles are expected to bring their best performance to Morocco — a country that has long admired Nigeria’s footballing prowess.
Lagos: Africa’s Home of Football Energy
Hosting the AFCON Trophy Tour further solidified Lagos’ position as one of Africa’s leading football cities. With its electrifying energy, diverse population, and deep connection to sports, Lagos offered the perfect stage for the celebration.
From Victoria Island’s skyscrapers to Ikeja’s bustling streets, the enthusiasm was infectious. The city proved once again why it’s often referred to as the “heartbeat of African football.”
