AFCON 2025: Senegal Legend Tips Nigeria For Title

AFCON 2025: Senegal Legend Tips Nigeria For Title

Sampson Adedeji

Former Senegal international and current Teranga Lions legend, Aliou Cissé, has included Nigeria’s Super Eagles among the top contenders to win the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Cissé shared his thoughts following Libya’s elimination in the Arab Cup playoffs on Tuesday.

When asked about Senegal’s prospects of reclaiming the continental crown, the former defender expressed optimism but acknowledged the fierce competition expected at the tournament.

“I hope it will be Senegal, because I come from Senegal and my heart is with Senegal,” he said.

Beyond his home nation, Cissé identified four other strong favorites capable of lifting the trophy host nation Morocco, Algeria, record champions Egypt, and Nigeria, the runner-up at the last edition.

“Apart from Senegal, there are many teams capable of winning this AFCON. Morocco is also a contender, Algeria, Egypt, Nigeria,” he stated.

Cissé highlighted the unpredictability surrounding the African football showpiece, noting that unlike the FIFA World Cup, AFCON remains notoriously difficult to forecast.

“In the Africa Cup of Nations, you can’t predict exactly who will win. In the World Cup, you can make predictions. But the Africa Cup of Nations is very complicated. There will always be surprises.”

The 2025 AFCON will kick off in Morocco from December 21 to January 18, with 24 countries vying for the continental title.