AFCON 2025: All eyes on Morocco
BY ISMAILA UMARU LERE
As the winter sun casts long shadows over the Atlas Mountains, the footballing world turns its gaze toward Morocco for the 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Kicking off on December 21, 2025, this tournament is more than just a trophy hunt; it is a dress rehearsal for Morocco’s 2030 World Cup ambitions and a battleground for a continent brimming with elite talent.
With world-class stadiums in cities like Rabat, Casablanca, and Tangier ready to host the spectacle, here is an in-depth look at the favorites, the stars to watch, and Nigeria’s quest for redemption.
The Favorites: Who Will Lift the Trophy?
According to statistical models and recent form, a few giants stand head and shoulders above the rest.
1. Morocco (The Host Juggernaut)
Morocco enters the tournament as the heavy favorite (with a nearly 19% win probability). Under Walid Regragui, the Atlas Lions have been unstoppable, entering the competition on an 18-match winning streak. Playing at home provides an immense psychological edge, but they also possess the most balanced squad on the continent. With a defense that has conceded only four goals in nearly two years, they are the team to beat.
2. Egypt (The Pharaohs’ Hunger)
Egypt, the most successful team in AFCON history, remains a perennial threat. They are currently ranked as the second-highest favorites. After heartbreaks in recent finals, the Pharaohs are desperate to secure their eighth title. Their strategy relies on tactical discipline and the ability of their talisman, Mohamed Salah, to turn a game on its head in a single moment.
3. Senegal (The Lions of Teranga)
The 2021 champions have successfully integrated a new generation of talent with their veteran core. Led by Sadio Mané and bolstered by a midfield featuring Pape Matar Sarr and Nicolas Jackson’s rising stock, Senegal remains the most physically imposing side in the tournament. They have the experience of deep runs and the depth to navigate the grueling five-week schedule.
Nigeria’s Chances: Can the Super Eagles Soar?
The Super Eagles enter the 2025 AFCON in a curious position. Despite finishing as runners-up in the previous edition, statistical models like Opta currently give Nigeria a 7.3% chance of winning—placing them 5th behind Morocco, Egypt, Senegal, and Algeria.
The Case for Optimism
Nigeria possesses arguably the most lethal attacking department in Africa. With Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman (the 2024 African Footballer of the Year), the Super Eagles can outscore any opponent. Their path through Group C—featuring Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania—is manageable, giving them room to build momentum.
The Challenges
The skepticism surrounding Nigeria stems from defensive inconsistency and goalkeeping depth. While their attack is world-class, the transition from midfield to defense has often been a weak point in high-stakes matches. For Nigeria to win their fourth title, the coaching staff must find a way to balance their “all-out attack” philosophy with the defensive pragmatism required to win knockout football.
Stars to Watch: The Icons of 2025
The 2025 AFCON will be a showcase of global stars, many of whom are currently dominating
European leagues.
Player | Country | Why to Watch
| Achraf Hakimi | Morocco | The reigning African Player of the Year and the heartbeat of the host nation. |
| Mohamed Salah | Egypt | This may be Salah’s “last dance” to finally secure the one trophy that has eluded him. |
| Victor Osimhen | Nigeria | A force of nature whose physicality and clinical finishing make him a nightmare for any defender. |
| Brahim Díaz | Morocco | The Real Madrid star has added a new dimension of creativity to the Moroccan midfield. |
| Ademola Lookman | Nigeria | Fresh off his 2024 exploits, Lookman’s ability to find space in tight areas is unmatched. |
| Omar Marmoush | Egypt | The Manchester City-bound forward is currently one of the most in-form attackers in the world. |
Tournament Outlook
The 2025 AFCON promises to be a tactical chess match. North African teams like Algeria and Tunisia will feel at home in the Moroccan climate, while West African powerhouses like Ivory Coast (the defending champions) will look to prove that their 2023 triumph was no fluke.
The tournament begins with Morocco vs. Comoros on December 21, and if the projections hold, we are in for a month of high-octane football that could very well culminate in a historic victory for the hosts—or a redemption story for Nigeria’s Super Eagles.
