AFCON cheaper than London: Story of Englishman in Africa rooting for Nigeria

Scott Wood is an Englishman, a husband, a father of three, a die-hard fan of Hull City, and, as of late, a supporter of Nigeria. However, Scott Wood is also a globetrotting football fan and a man who'll go to his second FIFA World Cup next June.

About a month ago, he found himself in a dilemma: travel to London to support his beloved Tigers or tick off one item from his bucket list and visit the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time.

TACTICAL ANALYSIS: How Morocco shut down Baleba, Mbeumo to book AFCON semis spot against Cameroon

Perhaps his heart would have opted for the first option, but the mind of an experienced traveller told him to choose the more affordable one. And the choice fell on AFCON!

Yes, you read it right. A trip to Marrakech, Morocco, was a cheaper alternative for Wood than a trip to London to watch Hull City at the legendary Den against Millwall. Moreover, he had enough money to bring his wife with him.

AFCON 2025: Nigeria's ruthless display dumps Algeria out to set up semis against Morocco

So, instead of witnessing the Tigers' 3-1 triumph, the 36-year-old rooted for their centre-back Semi Ajayi and his Nigeria in the Super Eagles' 2-0 win over Algeria in the AFCON quarter-finals.

"It would have cost me £140 on the train, £30 for a match ticket and around £100 for a hotel to go to Millwall. But instead I got an £80 return flight, £16 match ticket and £100 hotel in Marrakech."

"To be inside the stadium and experience the atmosphere was great. It felt like one big party for the Nigerians and was the complete opposite of English football, where we let the result determine if we have a good time or not."

"I'm used to planning in advance with England, but it was pretty obvious early on that this game was likely to be Nigeria vs Algeria."

"That worked out great because it allowed me to see Ajayi, who I think is our best defender at Hull. I'm really pleased for him, although we could do with him back!" Wood told The Athletic.

Although he ended up missing several Hull games, it was definitely worth it, as the AFCON experience did not disappoint. At the same time, Wood and his wife had the opportunity to go quadbiking in the desert, spend some time sightseeing, and enjoy a tourist experience.

AFCON 2025: Captain Ndidi puts out the fire by offering to sort out unpaid bonuses

They couldn't have done that in London, could they?

In the end, Wood wasn't able to stay in Morocco to root for Nigeria in the semi-finals against the hosts (Wednesday, 23.00) and the eventual final, but told The Athletic he'd definitely cheer for the Super Eagles and Ajayi from his UK home in front of the TV.

AFCON 2025 - 1/2 FINALS

Wednesday

18.00: (2.15) Senegal (3.20) Egypt (3.70)

21.00: (3.25) Nigeria (3.25) Morocco (2.30)

***odds are subject to change***