Arsenal great Nwankwo Kanu snubs Nigeria and Cote d’Ivoire, backs Morocco to win AFCON 2025

Nigerian football legend Nwankwo Kanu has tipped Morocco as the clear favorite to win the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, which they will host, Soccernet.ng reports.

In a surprising prediction, Kanu, a former Arsenal and Inter Milan star, backed the Atlas Lions over his home country Nigeria and reigning champions Côte d’Ivoire.

Morocco, despite being considered one of Africa’s footballing powerhouses, have won the AFCON only once, in 1976.

However, Kanu believes the current generation of Moroccan players is poised for success, citing their talent and recent performances on the world stage.

“Morocco has always boasted great players playing in Europe,” Kanu told Le Site Info.

“But this generation is unparalleled. Yassine Bounou, Achraf Hakimi… The technicality and talent of the entire squad give this team the status of a clear favourite for the upcoming AFCON.”

The Atlas Lions made history at the 2022 FIFA World Cup as the first African team to reach the semifinals.

Although they exited the 2023 AFCON in the Round of 16, Kanu is confident they will rebound on home soil.

Reflecting on his experience playing against Morocco in AFCON tournaments, Kanu recalled their toughness:

“I played against Morocco in the AFCON tournaments of 2000 and 2004… They always enter the competition as favorites but often fail to fulfill the dreams of millions of Moroccans.

“By hosting the AFCON at home, Morocco has every chance to be crowned champion.”

Kanu also praised the revolution in Moroccan football, emphasising that the team’s achievements are the result of years of hard work.

He added, “I truly believe that the Atlas Lions will not let the next AFCON slip away, especially since the Kingdom will be the host nation.”

While Côte d’Ivoire are the reigning champions after defeating Nigeria in the 2023 final, Kanu’s prediction will certainly add fire to the Super Eagles’ ambitions as they look to secure their spot at the tournament with upcoming clashes against Libya.