Former Arsenal defender Johan Djourou has identified Nigeria as one of four nations with a strong chance of winning the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Ivorian-born former centre-back believes the 2013 champions have “a card to play” in the upcoming tournament.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria made it to the quarter-finals of the AFCON competition, winning all their games in the group stage and round of 16.
They have been impressive in the tournament, scoring the most goals, more than any nation in the competition.
Djourou picks favourite to win AFCON
Speaking in an interview from the sidelines of the event in Morocco, Djourou highlighted the impressive development of African football.
He named Nigeria, hosts Morocco, defending champions Ivory Coast, and Senegal as the teams best positioned to claim the trophy.
Djourou, who maintains close ties to his birth country, Ivory Coast, expressed his admiration for the tournament’s progress and the rising standard of competition across the continent.
“I think it’s very good,” Djourou stated. “I had the chance to be a fan of the one in Ivory Coast because that’s where I’m from as well, and I thought it was a great success. African nations are progressing very well.”
“The vibe in Ivory Coast was a bit different from here in Morocco, the weather as well, but Morocco are really doing well,” he added. “It started well, so hopefully it keeps going that way.”
When pressed to pick his favourites for the title, Djourou acknowledged the difficulty of the choice but emphasised that Nigeria remains a formidable force.
“It’s tough,” he admitted. “Morocco at home will be tricky. I think Nigeria has got a card to play. Ivory Coast as defending champions as well. Senegal are a very strong team.”
“The ones most equipped to win it, I would say Morocco and Ivory Coast because they just won it,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, Nigerian football legend Segun Odegbami has urged the Super Eagles to play with confidence and self-belief ahead of their AFCON quarter-final against Algeria.