KEY POINTS
- TotalEnergies begins AFCON 2025 Trophy Tour in Nigeria.
- The event celebrates African unity and football passion.
- Nigerian fans get an up-close look at the AFCON trophy.
The AFCON 2025 Trophy Tour officially began in Lagos on Wednesday as TotalEnergies Marketing Nigeria Plc unveiled the coveted cup, setting off a wave of excitement among football fans, dignitaries, and media personalities. The event, held at Eko Tower 2 in Victoria Island, marked the start of Nigeria’s leg of the continental tour ahead of next year’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Dr Samba Seye, Managing Director of TotalEnergies Marketing Nigeria, described the unveiling as a proud moment for the country and the continent. He said the occasion symbolised far more than sport, reflecting Africa’s unity and spirit of excellence. “This moment is not just about football. It is about unity, pride, and the power of Africa to inspire the world,” Seye said. “At TotalEnergies, we are proud to partner with the Confederation of African Football in bringing the AFCON Trophy Tour to life and in connecting millions of fans to the heartbeat of our continent.”
TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 Trophy Tour celebrates unity
He added that TotalEnergies’ partnership with CAF goes beyond sponsorship, describing it as a commitment to Africa’s creativity and resilience. “Football embodies those values perfectly. It inspires dreams, connects generations, and reminds us that Africa’s strength lies in its unity,” he said.
The company’s Executive Director for Human Resources and Corporate Services, Mrs Olubumi Popoola-Modi, shared similar sentiments. She reflected on football’s emotional power to bridge divides. “I may not have been a football fan at first, but every time Nigeria plays, I see the incredible unity it brings. The passion, the energy, the togetherness — it’s something magical,” she said.
Nigeria hosts opening of AFCON trophy tour
Abdulahi Umar, General Manager of Retail and Cards at TotalEnergies, said Nigeria was the natural starting point for the tour. “A nation whose heart beats and rhymes with the beautiful game. Nigeria holds a special place in African football history, from legendary players to unforgettable moments. That is why we chose to begin this journey here, where football is not just a sport but a way of life,” he said.
He confirmed that the trophy on display was the original AFCON silverware — the same one 24 nations will compete for in Morocco. “Today, Nigerian fans get the rare chance to witness it up close, feel the energy, and dream big,” Umar added.
The Lagos event featured a press conference and a fan celebration at Marcellina’s Place in GRA, Ikeja, attracting football enthusiasts, media partners, and stakeholders. From Lagos, the TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 Trophy Tour will travel through Angola, South Africa, Ivory Coast, and Morocco, spreading excitement ahead of Africa’s premier football tournament.
