The Super Eagles lost the AFCON 2023 final to Cote d’Ivoire in February 2024…
One-time Greek Super League winner William Troost Ekong has maintained that the Super Eagles of Nigeria are not favourites for the AFCON 2025 tournament, Soccernet.ng reports.
The 32-year-old scored the most goals for Nigeria in Ivory Coast during the previous edition of the tournament, and is looking to lift the tournament in what could be his final appearance after winning bronze and silver medals.
Former Tunisia U-23 coach Chiheb Ellili, alongside head coach of the Tanzanian national team, Hemed Suleiman, have nominated Nigeria to be one of the countries that can go all the way in Morocco.
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Ekong maintains Super Eagles aren’t AFCON favourites
The captain of the Nigerian team was quick to play up the ability of the talent in the current squad, but still maintains they’re a far way out from lifting the trophy.
“I think that’s overstated. We’ve got an amazing squad, too many players to name, but objectively, Morocco are at home and in great form; Côte d’Ivoire are defending champions; Senegal, there’s no such thing as a clear favourite at AFCON.
“Last time, not many tipped us to go that far. You can’t win a tournament with expectations, and we won’t get complacent.
“AFCON is difficult, and strong teams can emerge from unexpected places. We trust ourselves, but I wouldn’t say we’re clear favourites,” the former Watford defender said in an interview with CAF Online.
He further went on to mention some African countries that might be a good watch for the neutrals.
“I genuinely have a good feeling about Nigeria. Beyond the usual contenders, it’s hard to single one out—that’s the excitement of AFCON.
“Equatorial Guinea surprised people; Angola were very good—we faced them in the quarter-final. Tune into any game and you’ll discover strong teams and new players. Stars are born at this tournament.
The Netherlands-born centre-back was further quizzed about what Nigeria learned from their loss to Ivory Coast last year, and how they can use the knowledge to get better this time.
“The occasion was a lot. We probably should have broken it down more and focused on how we wanted to play instead of playing the occasion.
“When you’re away to Côte d’Ivoire in an over-capacity stadium, you can get carried by the momentum.
“This time we’ll be calmer to play our football better. Beyond that, there were positives: renewed hope in Nigeria, world-class players in our squad who want to crown this generation with a trophy, and real togetherness with a great coach.
“That’s a good recipe to do something special in Morocco,” the Al-Kholood captain continued.
Eric Chelle’s men have been drawn into AFCON 2025 Group C alongside Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda in Group C.
“Difficult,” Ekong said, reflecting on the group.
“Tunisia knocked us out in the 2021 round of 16 and beat many in World Cup qualifying without conceding.
“They’re high in confidence. Tanzania and Uganda are also tough—we’ve faced them in several qualifiers.
“There’s no ‘cruise’ at AFCON. We want the top spot to help the next round, but no one in our camp thinks this group is easy,” the Super Eagles captain concluded.
While the AFCON 2025 is high on Ekong’s priority list, a win against Gabon in the FIFA World Cup play-off next month is of utmost importance.