Opta ranks Morocco as favourites for AFCON 2025 with a 19.1% chance, while Nigeria are fifth at 7.3%, as the tournament kicks off in Morocco
British sports data analytics firm Opta has ranked Morocco as the favourite to win this year’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, with Nigeria placed fifth, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
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AFCON 2025 is set to run from December 21 to January 18, 2026, and anticipation is high for another unpredictable tournament.
According to Opta’s supercomputer predictions, hosts Morocco top the list with a 19.1 per cent chance of lifting a second continental title.
“Playing at home and riding an 18-match winning streak, Morocco enter AFCON 2025 as the top favourite. Walid Regragui’s side blends tactical discipline with attacking speed, backed by key figures like Brahim Díaz, Youssef En-Nesyri and goalkeeper Yassine Bounou,” Opta said.
Egypt follow with a 12.4 per cent chance of winning a record-extending eighth title, relying heavily on Mohamed Salah, who is chasing his first continental crown.
Senegal are third favourites at 12.3 per cent, led by Sadio Mané and dynamic attackers Ismaïla Sarr and Iliman Ndiaye.
Algeria, champions in 2019 but struggling in recent editions, are ranked fourth with a 12 per cent chance. Three-time champions Nigeria, runners-up at Ivory Coast 2023, are fifth at 7.3 per cent.
Despite a potent attack led by Victor Osimhen under coach Eric Chelle, defensive gaps and a challenging group could hinder their progress.
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Other contenders include defending champions Ivory Coast, Nigeria’s group rivals Tunisia, and teams such as Mali, Cameroon, South Africa, and DR Congo.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
