Former Switzerland defender Johan Djourou has named Nigeria among the favourites to lift the prestigious African title at the 2025 African Cup of Nations tournament, SportPremi reports.
The former Arsenal defender named Nigeria, alongside Morocco and Ivory Coast as his top picks to win this edition of the tournament in the final scheduled for the 18th of this month.
The Super Eagles have enjoyed an impressive tournament so far and have won every of their four matches in the competition.
They have scored 12 goals, the most of any team and recently dispatched Mozambique 4-0 in their Round of 16 clash.
The three-time African champions will face Algeria in the quarterfinals of the competition, eyeing victory to progress to the next round.
Morocco, on the other hand, are the host nations and are favourites to win a second African title and a first since 1976, especially with the support of the home crowd behind them.
The Atlas Lions have lived up to their tag and will also face Cameroon in the last eight today, having already won three of their four matches.
Ivory Coast are the defending champions following their victory over Nigeria in the final on home soil two years ago and have also progressed to the last eight, where they will face AFCON record winners Egypt.
The Elephants have been led by the impressive Amad Diallo and are also competing to successfully defend their crown.
Djourou names 2025 AFCON favourites
Former Arsenal defender Djourou, who was born in Abidjan, Ivory Coast but opted to represent Switzerland where he grew up, hailed the rising influence of the AFCON tournament.
The 38-year-old also named three countries as his top choices to be crowned champions when the tournament comes to a close.
“It’s tough, Morocco at home will be tricky. I think Nigeria has got a card to play. Ivory Coast as defending champions as well. Senegal are a very strong team”, Djourou admitted.
“The ones most equipped to win it, I would say Morocco and Ivory Coast because they just won it.
I think it’s very good. I had the chance to be a fan of the one in Ivory Coast because that’s where I’m from as well, and I thought it was a great success. African nations are progressing very well.
The vibe in Ivory Coast was a bit different from here in Morocco, the weather as well, but Morocco are really doing well. It started well, so hopefully it keeps going that way”, he concluded.
The final eight teams in Morocco will take to the field beginning from tonight, with the last round of fixtures set to take place later tomorrow to determine which nations progresses to the final four of the tournament.
