Aliou Cissé, the legendary former coach of the Teranga Lions, has weighed in on the title race for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), identifying Nigeria’s Super Eagles as one of the primary contenders for the crown.
Speaking on the dynamics of the tournament slated for Morocco, the former defender expressed hope for his own nation but acknowledged that the path to victory will be obstructed by the continent’s heavyweights.
A Heart with Senegal, Eyes on the Rivals
When pressed on his predictions for the tournament, Cissé did not hide his patriotism. “I hope it will be Senegal, because I come from Senegal and my heart is with Senegal,” he admitted.
However, offering a technical assessment of the field, Cissé highlighted four other nations that possess the quality to lift the trophy. Alongside the Teranga Lions, he listed:
- Morocco: The host nation, currently riding a wave of footballing infrastructure development.
- Nigeria: The Super Eagles, who finished as runners-up in the previous edition.
- Algeria: A perennial North African powerhouse.
- Egypt: The record-holding champions of the continent.
“Apart from Senegal, there are many teams capable of winning this AFCON. Morocco is also a contender, Algeria, Egypt, Nigeria,” Cissé stated.
The Unpredictability of African Football
The former Senegal international also touched on the unique nature of the continent’s showpiece event. He argued that unlike the FIFA World Cup, where hierarchies are often rigid, the African championship is defined by its volatility.
“In the Africa Cup of Nations, you can’t predict exactly who will win. In the World Cup, you can make predictions. But the Africa Cup of Nations is very complicated. There will always be surprises,” he observed.
The 2025 AFCON is scheduled to take place in Morocco during the winter window, running from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026. With 24 nations vying for glory, Cissé’s assessment sets the stage for what promises to be a fiercely contested tournament.
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