Ahead of the highly anticipated 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), a sophisticated supercomputer has forecasted which nation is most likely to lift the coveted trophy. The tournament is scheduled to be held in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.
Top Five Favourites for AFCON Glory
According to data analytics giant Opta, its powerful prediction model has calculated the winning probabilities for all 24 competing nations. The host country emerges as the clear frontrunner.
Morocco sits at the summit of the predictions with a 19.1% chance of securing the title on home soil. The Atlas Lions, spearheaded by African Footballer of the Year Achraf Hakimi, have been a continental powerhouse since their historic run to the 2022 FIFA World Cup semi-finals.
In second place is record seven-time champion Egypt, given a 12.4% probability of claiming an eighth crown. Led by coach Hossam Hassan and star forward Mohamed Salah, the Pharaohs are eager to end a title drought stretching back to 2010.
The Senegal national team, the 2021 champions, are rated third with a 12.3% chance of winning again. Despite a disappointing title defence in 2023, the Teranga Lions boast a squad full of elite talent like Sadio Mane and Kalidou Koulibaly under coach Pape Thiaw.
Algeria, the 2019 winners, are a notable inclusion with a 12.0% chance. Their impressive form in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers under manager Vladimir Petkovic has made them a serious contender once more.
Nigeria's Super Eagles Among Contenders
The three-time champions, Nigeria, are positioned fifth in the supercomputer's rankings. The Super Eagles, who were finalists in the 2023 edition, have been assigned a 7.6% probability of winning their first AFCON title since 2013.
Coach Eric Chelle's squad, featuring stars like Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, will be under significant pressure. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has reportedly set a mandatory target of reaching the final for the team, as confirmed by NFF President Ibrahim Gusau.
Complete Top Ten Rankings
Rounding out the top ten nations predicted by Opta's supercomputer are:
- 6. Tunisia - 6.8%
- 7. Côte d'Ivoire - 6.7%
- 8. Mali - 6.4%
- 9. Cameroon - 4.1%
- 10. South Africa - 2.2%
The 35th edition of Africa's premier football competition promises intense drama as these favoured nations, along with other contenders, battle for continental supremacy in Morocco next year.
