Thursday is a match-free day at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, ahead of the group-stage round two set of matches. Coincidentally, the day off from on-field activities directly falls on the same day as Christmas.

Unlike in Lagos and other cities across Nigeria, where streets are decorated with Christmas trees, lights, and ambiance weeks before the day, the opposite is true in Morocco, which can be attributed to the country being an Islamic nation.

Despite the absence of public Christmas celebrations in Morocco, some Nigerian journalists in the country for the AFCON are marking the day as billions of others do around the world.

In a post on social media, Matthew Edafe, the owner of Elegbete TV & Radio, said he took his time on the eve of Christmas to prepare special meals for himself and his crew, who are currently in Morocco for the tournament.

“Train up a child in the way he should go… My mother always made sure we cooked on the eve of Christmas and New Year. So I gave the crew a taste of my mother’s recipe. Christmas stew & egusi pepper soup. Leadership is by example, not by slavery. Merry Christmas, everyone,” he posted on X alongside a clip of himself cooking.

However, many plan to mark the day quietly, while most work to reduce the workloads accumulated over the previous days.

Toyosi Afoláyan stated, “I would be crafting some content from home before heading to the Super Eagles training.”

He, however, said he planned to treat himself to some barbecue chicken and Moroccan bread later in the day to celebrate Christmas.

Victor Ademola of AdemolaVictorTv said he would also be occupied with personal responsibility, stating, “For me, it’s work-related. Editing, going out to the mall to get some necessary groceries.”

Meanwhile, Ayoola Adeleke said he would be in his room sleeping before heading outside to create content later.

Actions will return on Boxing Day, with Angola taking on Zimbabwe in the first game of the day. Egypt will face South Africa in one of the biggest matches of the group stage, Zambia will tackle Comoros, and Morocco will take on Mali in the final clash of the matchday.