AFCON 2025: Nigeria, Morocco, Senegal, Algeria in Pole Position — Daniel Amokachi

Former Nigeria forward Daniel Amokachi has identified Nigeria, Morocco, Senegal and Algeria as the leading contenders to lift the trophy at the ongoing 35th Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025) in Morocco.

Amokachi, who won the AFCON as a player with Nigeria in 1994 and again as assistant coach under the late Stephen Keshi in 2013, said the quartet have stood out for their quality, hunger and overall performances so far in the tournament.

Speaking while analysing one of the AFCON matches on SuperSport, the former Everton striker praised both the standard of play and the organisation of the competition.

“The standard of play and organisation here in Morocco have been top-notch, and I am impressed with what I have seen so far. We have been entertained and have witnessed excellent play by the teams,” Amokachi said.

According to the 51-year-old, the Super Eagles and three other heavyweights have shown enough quality and desire to go all the way.

“Any of Nigeria, Morocco, Senegal or Algeria can win the AFCON in Morocco. These four countries have shown hunger and zeal to win the trophy,” he noted.

Amokachi reserved special praise for Nigeria, highlighting the team’s motivation to redeem themselves after missing out on qualification for the FIFA World Cup.

“The Super Eagles have been very impressive and look like a team that wants to make amends for their failure to qualify for the World Cup.”

On the host nation, Amokachi believes Morocco’s quality football and strong fan backing could be decisive.

“Morocco, aside from being the hosts, are playing good football and, with vociferous support from their fans, can go all the way.”

He also tipped Senegal and Algeria as serious contenders.

“Senegal are another strong team that have impressed me and can also win it, just like the Algerians, who are a blend of youth and experience,” the former Super Eagles star added.

Despite highlighting four clear favourites, Amokachi warned that traditional heavyweights Egypt and defending champions Côte d’Ivoire should not be ruled out.

He believes both nations still have the pedigree and experience to challenge strongly for the AFCON title as the tournament reaches its decisive stages.

Samuel Ahmadu

Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. On the back of domestic engagement since 2008, he began his international career journey at Goal.com in February 2014, where he served as an African women's football correspondent for nearly eight years. During his tenure at Goal.com, Samuel covered major events such as three Women's Africa Cup of Nations (2016, 2018, 2022) and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada plus 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His work at Goal.com earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his in-depth profiles of African football stars, notably Asisat Oshoala, whose rise he documented from her early years to her breakthrough at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2014. Prior to his role at Goal.com, Samuel freelanced for various print and broadcast media outlets in Nigeria, including Graphics Newspaper, Radio Nigeria, Grace FM, and Savid Newspaper. His extensive experience and expertise led to his appointment to the Nigeria Football Federation's Standing Committee on Women's Football Development from 2016 to 2018. Since February 2018, Samuel has been the Social Media Manager for Nigeria's women's national teams.In 2019, Samuel joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a women's football content contributor and was promoted to Women's Football Editor in 2021. His contributions to women's football continued as he worked as a Media Consultant for Content Creation and Editorials at the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League. Currently, Samuel also serves as the spokesman for the Nigeria Women Football League, further solidifying his influence and dedication to the growth of women's football in Africa.

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