All is set in Cairo Egypt as football enthusiasts in the continent and the rest of the world awaits the kick-off of the biggest football fiesta in Africa; the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) today.

At a press briefing held at the Cairo International Stadium on Thursday, CAF President Ahmad Ahmad assures Africa and the world that CAF and Egypt are ready for the competition.

He said, “Everything is ready for the organization of this AFCON thanks to God, to the African heads of state to whom I have great gratitude.

“The preparations for AFCON are in good shape. The lights are green for a total success of this tournament.

“We have the full support of the Egyptian government in matters of security.”

The competition will be its 32nd in edition with host Egypt who have won the title for the seventh time in 1957, 1959, 1986, 1998, 2006, 2008 and 2010.

The 32nd edition will be a star studded one with the presence of Liverpool talismen Mohamed Sallah (Egypt) and Sadio Mane (Senegal), Ahmed Musa, Mikel Obi and Wilfred Ndidi (Nigeria), Hakim Ziyechi (Morocco), Nicolas Pepe (Ivory Coast), Kalidou Koulibaly (Senegal) among others.

New debutants in this edition includes, Burundi, Madagascar and Mauritania.

The 32nd edition is a unique one which will feature an expansion from the traditional 16 teams of four groups’ format to 24 teams six groups format.

Another feature is the shifting of the competition from February to June which has given the room for players playing in top flight leagues in Europe to fully represent their country.

All eyes are on the Super Eagles of Nigeria to repeat the resilience they displayed in 2013 in winning the title.

The Super Eagles plays their opening first group match against Burundi on Saturday.