Former Super Eagles midfielder Mutiu Adepoju has named three countries that he believes have been the standout performers at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations tournament, SportPremi reports.
The former Real Sociedad midfielder tipped towards Nigeria, but also revealed that he has been impressed by the performances of Morocco, Ivory Coast and Senegal at the tournament.
Morocco, the host nations, booked their spot in the final four of the competition after overcoming Cameroon 2-0 in the quarterfinals.
It was their first semifinal appearance in 22 years as they hope to win a second continental title, following their first victory in 1976.
Walid Regragui’s side have been very dominant at the tournament, led by Golden boot leader Brahim Diaz and could face Nigeria in the semifinals, should the Super Eagles overcome Algeria in their own quarterfinal tie later today.
Senegal also clinched their last four berth after a hard-fought 1-0 win over Mali in their quarterfinal tie on Friday, leaving only two semifinal spots up for grabs today.
Nigeria and Algeria will face each other in the first quarterfinal tie, before defending champions Ivory Coast face record winners Egypt in the final quarterfinal tie.
Mutiu Adepoju names favourite to lift AFCON 2025 title
Speaking ahead of Nigeria’s clash against Algeria later today at the Stade de Marrakesh in Morocco, Adepoju who was part of the legendary AFCON 1994 winning team, revealed the teams he has been impressed with the most so far in Morocco.
“Apart from the Super Eagles, Morocco have been making statements. Let’s forget about the second-round match they played that was hard for them to win”, the former Real Sociedad midfielder stated.
“Ivory Coast have been very strong right from the beginning. Just like Nigeria, they have been improving. Egypt — let’s see what happens today.
Senegal have made a statement. These are very strong teams that are potential winners of Afcon alongside Nigeria”, he added.
On Nigeria’s clash against Algeria
“Nigeria has done well, and looking at it, I don’t think there’s any favourite at this moment. Algeria is a very, very good team, and they are playing very well, too”, Adepoju continued.
“So, I just want the Super Eagles to continue playing the way they’ve been playing and not losing their composure, but making use of their opportunities to score goals any time they have because Algeria is not going to be an easy task in the quarter final definitely.
“I don’t want to say that Nigeria is my favourite because Algeria is a big team too, the Super Eagles have to take it gradually and step by step and not lose concentration throughout the game.”
Nigeria face Algeria this evening at 5 PM, with the winner advancing to face Morocco in the semifinals in Rabat.
Elsewhere, a clash in the last four against Senegal awaits either Ivory Coast or Egypt, who meet at 8 PM today.
