Ghanaian football legend Asamoah Gyan has identified the Super Eagles of Nigeria as one of the primary favorites to clinch the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title in Morocco.
Gyan's Expert Picks for the Title
The former Black Stars forward made his prediction while attending the CAF awards ceremony in Rabat, Morocco. Gyan, Ghana's all-time leading goalscorer, named Nigeria, Côte d'Ivoire, and Morocco as the three nations he believes are the strongest contenders for the continental crown.
When questioned on the Red Carpet, the 39-year-old stated, "I think we've got a lot of giants who are going there." He acknowledged Ghana's disappointing failure to qualify but pointed to their World Cup ticket as a consolation, adding a subtle jab that "we qualified for the World Cup, unlike some other nations, yes."
Super Eagles Seeking Redemption
Gyan highlighted Nigeria's impressive performance in the last tournament, where they finished as runners-up. Nigeria lost the 2023 AFCON final to Côte d'Ivoire, and many believe the team is poised to go one step further in 2025.
This belief is further fueled by the Super Eagles' desire for redemption after the heartbreak of failing to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. The upcoming AFCON presents a crucial opportunity for the team to restore national pride.
Tournament Details and Nigeria's Group
The 2025 AFCON is scheduled to run from Sunday, December 21, 2025, to Sunday, January 18, 2026. This historic scheduling marks the first time the tournament will be held over the Christmas and New Year holiday period.
The Super Eagles have been drawn in Group C alongside Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania. Nigeria will be aiming to top this group and build momentum for a deep run in the knockout stages, with their sights firmly set on a fourth continental title.
Gyan concluded his assessment by reaffirming his top three, saying, "I will say these three countries, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, and Morocco are my picks to win the AFCON 2025."