By Victor Okoye
Royal Air Maroc has emerged as the preferred airline for African sports journalists covering the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025.
The airline’s status follows its role as the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) Official Global Partner for the tournament scheduled from Dec. 21, 2025 to Jan. 18, 2026.
Industry observers say the Moroccan flag carrier’s extensive African network, flexible schedules and seamless connections through Casablanca give it a competitive edge for time-bound tournament coverage.
Several sports journalists across the continent have attested to the airline’s reliability, punctuality and media-friendly services during major football events.
“Royal Air Maroc understands the urgency that comes with tournament reporting.”
Mr Akin Adeyemi, a Nigerian football writer and broadcast analyst, said the airline’s consistency helps journalists meet tight deadlines.
“When you are chasing post-match interviews and filing stories across time zones, you need an airline that keeps to schedule.”
“Royal Air Maroc gives that confidence,” he said.
He underscored the need for additional routes from Nigeria and a dedicated travel package for journalists and fans eager to experience the continental spectacle in Morocco.
From East Africa, Kenyan sports journalist Ms Grace Wanjiru said the airline’s connectivity has eased intra-African travel for journalists.
“The airline makes movement across Africa seamless. I can fly from Nairobi, connect smoothly, and arrive refreshed for matchday coverage,” Wanjiru said.
South African football correspondent Mr Thabo Maseko said punctuality and baggage handling were critical advantages.
“The punctuality is key. You land on time, your equipment arrives intact, and that alone reduces stress during AFCON,” Maseko said.
Ghanaian sports broadcaster Mr Kwame Boateng said the airline’s journalist-friendly services made a difference during long assignments.
“The baggage allowance helps when travelling with cameras and laptops.”
“Onboard comfort also allows you to work mid-flight,” he said.
Egyptian football analyst Ms Salma El-Sayed described the airline as Africa-focused and media-aware.
“They understand the African football calendar and plan around it.”
“That’s rare and valuable for journalists,” El-Sayed said.
Observers note that Royal Air Maroc’s frequent flights, strategic routes and modern fleet reduce travel fatigue, allowing journalists to focus on analysis, interviews and real-time reporting.
The airline’s partnership with CAF covers AFCON 2025, the Women’s AFCON, CAF interclub competitions, U-17 and U-20 tournaments, and the CAF Women’s Champions League.
CAF President, Dr Patrice Motsepe, described Royal Air Maroc as a world-class airline capable of delivering comfort, efficiency and reliability to teams, officials and media.
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Royal Air Maroc, Mr Hamid Addou, said the partnership reflects the airline’s mission to connect Africa and support its shared passions.
The collaboration also reinforces Morocco’s growing profile as a continental sports and media hub ahead of AFCON 2025. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Muhyideen Jimoh
