AFCON 2025: Didier Deschamps Picks 3 Favourites to Win Trophy, Snubs Super Eagles
- Didier Deschamps has named Morocco, Egypt and Cameroon as AFCON 2025 favourites, leaving Nigeria out
- The Super Eagles finished the group stage with a perfect record, with three wins, eight goals, and tournament-best stats
- Nigeria faces Mozambique next for a chance to qualify for the quarterfinals
France head coach Didier Deschamps may be a World Cup winner, but his verdict on the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has raised eyebrows, especially in Nigeria.
As the tournament in Morocco heads into the knockout rounds, Deschamps has named Morocco, Egypt, and Cameroon as his three favourites to lift the trophy, leaving out an in-form Super Eagles side that many believe have been the most convincing team so far.
Source: Getty Images
Speaking to Morocco World News, the French manager stressed his respect for African football while sticking to what he called the continent’s “usual powerhouses.”
Deschamps sticks with AFCON heavyweights
Deschamps’ choices were clear and deliberate. When pressed to name contenders, the 57-year-old pointed to Egypt, Cameroon and hosts Morocco, citing their experience and squad quality, Foot Africa reports.
Source: Getty Images
“The favourites are often the same teams. It’s like a World Cup, we always talk about the same nations. There can be surprises, of course, but the strongest African teams are there, with very, very good players who play for top clubs.”
Cameroon will face South Africa in the Round of 16, Egypt take on the Republic of Benin, while Morocco meet Tanzania.
All three nations boast deep tournament pedigree, Egypt with their record AFCON titles, Cameroon with their physical dominance, and Morocco, buoyed by home support.
Yet, the omission of Nigeria, and even reigning champions Senegal, suggests Deschamps is leaning heavily on history rather than current form.
Nigeria’s numbers tell a different story
If AFCON 2025 were judged purely on performances so far, Nigeria would be impossible to ignore.
The Super Eagles cruised through Group C with a perfect nine points, beating Tanzania (2-1), Tunisia (3-2), and Uganda (3-2). Only Algeria matched that flawless record.
Nigeria, who have been backed to win by Jose Mourinho, were not just winning, they were dominating.
The Super Eagles scored eight goals, the highest tally in the group stage, with six different players finding the net, underlining their attacking depth.
Ademola Lookman has been the face of that dominance as the Atalanta forward finished the group stage with two goals and two assists, making him the most productive player at AFCON 2025 so far.
His performances earned him a place in the Team of the Group Stage and the highest overall player rating.
Nigeria has a point to prove
Nigeria’s authority has not been limited to the pitch as head coach Eric Chelle was named Best Coach of the Group Stage, praised for blending tactical discipline with attacking freedom.
Next up is a Round of 16 clash against Mozambique, a match Nigeria will approach knowing that reputation alone wins nothing.
The Super Eagles are seeking to win the AFCON for the fourth time after previous successes in 1980, 1994, and 2013.
Supercomputer predicts how far Nigeria will go
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that the Super Eagles are no longer just exciting on the pitch at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, the numbers are beginning to believe too.
Following a dominant group-stage performance, Opta’s supercomputer has significantly upgraded Nigeria’s chances of lifting the AFCON trophy in Morocco.
Source: Legit.ng
