Former Ghanaian striker Asamoah Gyan believes Nigeria remain among the favorites to win next month’s African Cup of Nations, despite their setback of failing to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, SportPremi reports.
The Super Eagles missed out on qualification for a second consecutive World Cup tournament after also failing to qualify for the 2022 edition held in Qatar.
Nigeria lost on penalty shootout to the Democratic Republic of Congo in the CAF playoffs final last Sunday, ending their hopes of playing in next year’s World Cup tournament.
They also reached the final of the last Nations Cup tournament held in Ivory Coast in 2024, but suffered final heartbreak after losing 2-1 to the host country.
Gyan tips Nigeria for AFCON glory
Asamoah Gyan, who represented Ghana at seven African Cup of Nations tournament, understands what it feels to play at the competition.
The former Sunderland forward expressed disappointment at the absence of the Black Stars from the tournament, but believes bitter rivals Nigeria possess the quality to attain glory in the tournament.
Speaking at Wednesday night’s CAF award ceremony, where Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi and Ghizlane Chebbak claimed top honors in the male and female category respectively, Gyan named Nigeria and two other nations as massive favorites.
“I think we’ve got a lot of giants who are going there. Ghana is out, which we were very disappointed by, but that’s okay, we qualified for the World Cup, unlike some other nations, yes”, the former Ghana forward revealed.
“Nigeria did well, they were close the last time. Ivory Coast did well; we have a lot of teams.
“Morocco is also a strong contender, and they’re doing well”, Gyan continued.
“I will say these three countries, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, and Morocco are my picks to win the AFCON 2025.”
Nigeria seek AFCON redemption
Nigeria head to next month’s African Cup of Nations hoping to overcome a double disappointment of first losing the final of the 2024 tournament and also failing in their bid to reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The tournament will commence on the 21st of December with host nations Morocco facing Comoros in the opening clash.
The Super Eagles have been placed in group C, where they are favorites to qualify ahead of Tunisia, Tanzania and Uganda.
Head coach Eric Chelle will hope to have his key players fit and firing for the tournament, as they hope to shake off missing back-to-back World Cup tournaments.
