Former Ghana skipper Asamoah Gyan has tipped Nigeria as one of the leading favourites for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations scheduled to hold in Morocco.
Gyan, speaking on the red carpet at the 2025 CAF Awards, said the Super Eagles have shown enough quality in recent years to mount a serious title challenge, despite the setback of missing out on the 2026 World Cup.
AFCON 2025 will run from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.
Gyan’s assessment
The ex-Black Stars forward described Nigeria as one of Africa’s strongest sides and believes their recent disappointments could fuel a deep run in the tournament.
“We have many big teams going to Morocco. Ghana not qualifying is disappointing, but we’ve made it to the World Cup,” Gyan said. “Nigeria have been close in the last two tournaments. Ivory Coast and Morocco are also very strong. These three—Nigeria, Ivory Coast, and Morocco—are my favourites for the title.”
Although Ghana failed to qualify, Gyan acknowledged the quality in the Nigerian squad and praised their consistency in major competitions.
Nigeria’s path in Morocco
Nigeria will compete in Group C alongside Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uganda.
Their fixtures are as follows:
• December 23: vs Tanzania
• December 27: vs Tunisia
• December 30: vs Uganda
The Super Eagles are chasing a fourth continental crown, having lifted the trophy in 1980, 1994, and most recently in 2013 under the late Stephen Keshi.
With a new wave of exciting talent in the squad, AFCON 2025 represents a major chance for Nigeria to reclaim continental glory and bounce back from the disappointment of missing the 2026 World Cup.
