Kanu Nwankwo tips Morocco, not Nigeria, for AFCON 2025 glory

Super Eagles legend Kanu Nwankwo has expressed doubts about Nigeria’s chances of winning the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), instead backing tournament hosts Morocco as the top contenders for the title.

Despite Nigeria’s attacking depth, the Enyimba chairman believes the Atlas Lions are in prime position to lift the trophy, calling it “theirs to lose.”

In a recent interview with Le Site Info, Kanu praised Morocco’s current generation of players, highlighting their European pedigree and technical prowess.

“Morocco has always produced great talents playing in Europe,” Kanu remarked. “But this generation is exceptional. With stars like Yassine Bounou and Achraf Hakimi, the whole team has the quality to dominate. Hosting the AFCON gives them a significant advantage.”

He further added, “I believe the Atlas Lions will not let the opportunity slip away, especially with the tournament taking place on home soil.”

While Morocco was heavily favoured in the last AFCON in Ivory Coast, they were unexpectedly eliminated in the Round of 16 by South Africa, who went on to claim bronze.

However, Kanu believes playing at home in 2025 will provide Morocco with the boost they need to reclaim their status as Africa’s best.

Though Nigeria currently tops Group D in the qualifiers with seven points following their recent 1-0 win over Libya, Kanu’s comments suggest the Super Eagles will need more than their attacking firepower to challenge for the title.

Walid Regragui’s Moroccan side will face tough competition from teams like Nigeria, but the home advantage could prove decisive in their quest for AFCON success.

With just over a year to go, the countdown to AFCON 2025 continues, and the Super Eagles will have to prove Kanu wrong if they are to secure their fourth continental crown.