Ivorian legend tips Nigeria as favourites to lift the trophy in Morocco.

Salomon Kalou

Former Ivory Coast forward Salomon Kalou has declared the Super Eagles as his top favourites to win the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, backing Nigeria to finally claim their fourth continental crown.

The Super Eagles narrowly missed out on glory in 2023 after a dramatic 2-1 defeat to hosts Côte d’Ivoire in the final, but Kalou believes this squad has the talent and structure to go all the way next year.

Kalou Confident In Nigeria’s Talent

Kalou wrote in his Tribuna column that Nigeria look “very strong this year”, praising the squad’s balance and firepower.

Super Eagles

He highlighted the influence of:

  • Victor Osimhen – “one of the most feared strikers in world football”
  • Ademola Lookman & Samuel Chukwueze – pace and creativity
  • Wilfred Ndidi – midfield stability

Kalou believes the Super Eagles’ quality gives them the edge going into the tournament:

“Nigeria were runners-up last time, and with this mix of stars they’ll believe they can go all the way.”

Group C Challenge Ahead

Nigeria are placed in Group C alongside:

  • Tanzania
  • Tunisia
  • Uganda

The team will kick off their AFCON 2025 campaign vs Tanzania in Fèz on Tuesday, 23 December.