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By Israel Iyanuoluwa Edwin
βFor the first time in African Cup of Nations history, all last four countries are guided by African coaches, guaranteeing that the fourth consecutive edition of the AFCON will be won by an African tactician.
This record indicates not only the growth of African football, but that homegrown coaches are not only capable of competing at the highest level but are now shaping the very future of the game on the continent.
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βThe numbers tell a true story of local dominance throughout the competition. βOf the 24 teams at AFCON 2025, 15 were led by homegrown tactician, with 11 progressing beyond the group stage.
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βThis incredible pattern follows Djamel Belmadiβs triumph with Algeria in 2019, Aliou CissΓ©βs historic title with Senegal in 2021, and Γmerse FaΓ©βs success with CΓ΄te dβIvoire in 2023. AFCON 2025 now promises to extend that proud legacy.
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βThe most important impact of what these coaches have done will not just be limited to what their successes mean for their country, but also how they did it and how their methods influence other coaches across the continent.
βFor example Nigeria has been the best attacking team in the tournament. From a load of opportunities created, the Super Eagles have netted 14 goals in just five games. 43 percent of those goals were scored in the knockout rounds; 29 percent against Mozambique in the round of 16, and 14 percent against 2019 champions Algeria in the quarter final.
Overall, the super eagles of Nigeria have let in four goals in five games, with those four coming from the group stage. They also bound-Algeria to no shots on target while Nigeria managed 10 albeit scoring 2.
βIn the end, Algeria coach Vladimir Petkovic said during his post-match press conference. βNigeria deserved to win this match. They were better than us. It was difficult to get into this match. We were hit left and rightβ¦β
βPetkovic is no novice. He once led Switzerland to defeat the then world champions, France, in Euro 2020. So, yes! He is an experienced manager. Yet, Eric Chelle, who led Mali to the quarter finals of the last AFCON, presented tactical problems far beyond Petkovicβs capacity.
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βIn conclusion, African coaches have emerged from their shells, They have shown that they can be trusted in moving Africa forward and leading the continent to world glories which had been long elusive.