Nigeria’s Super Eagles have been the in-from team at the 2025 AFCON even as many still regard hosts Morocco as the favourites to win the tournament
France head coach Didier Deschamps has named Egypt, Cameroon and Morocco as the leading contenders to win the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Soccernet.ng reports.
Deschamps’ choices comes as the continental showpiece in Morocco moves into the knockout phase and Nigeria continue to impress with commanding performances.
Speaking at the World Sports Summit in Dubai, the World Cup-winning coach confirmed he has been following the AFCON closely, even if not watching every match in full.
With the group stage concluded and the round of 16 set to begin on Saturday, Deschamps was asked to assess the competition and identify the teams best equipped to go all the way.
“I watch – not entire matches – but I obviously follow quite a few AFCON games,” Deschamps told Asharq Sports as per Afrik-Foot
Initially reluctant to single out specific teams, the 57-year-old highlighted the depth and quality of African football before eventually naming his trio of favourites.
“The favourites are often the same teams,” he said. “It’s like a World Cup – we always talk about the same nations. There can be surprises, of course, but the strongest African teams are there, with very, very good players who play for top clubs. I don’t want to make anyone jealous. I respect all African teams, and may the best one win.”
Pressed further, Deschamps finally added:
“Egypt, Cameroon, Morocco… everyone.”
Notably absent from his list was Senegal, a side France will face in their opening group match of the 2026 World Cup. This is despite the Teranga Lions being widely regarded as one of the tournament favourites.
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Nigeria’s statement performances impossible to ignore
While Deschamps offered a broad assessment, the numbers from the group stage suggest Nigeria have made as strong a case as any side in the competition.
The Super Eagles won all three of their group matches, defeating Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda to finish with a perfect nine points. Only Algeria matched that flawless record, a pointer to Nigeria’s status as one of the form teams heading into the knockout rounds.
Nigeria were not only efficient but dominant. They scored eight goals, the highest tally in the group stage, with six different players finding the net, also the most at the tournament. Their control of matches was reflected in an average ball possession of 66 per cent, the best of any team in the opening phase.
Individually, Ademola Lookman emerged as one of the standout performers. The Atalanta forward recorded four goal contributions, two goals and two assists, making him the most decisive player of the group stage.
He also earned a place in the official AFCON Team of the Group Stage, finishing with the highest overall rating among players who featured in at least two matches.
Nigeria’s authority on the pitch was mirrored on the touchline. Head coach Eric Chelle was named the best coach of the group stage after overseeing a side that combined tactical discipline with attacking fluency.
With confidence high and momentum firmly on their side, Nigeria will look to carry their form into the last 16 when they face Mozambique on Monday.