Legendary ” Ghanaian ” striker Asamoah Gyan has revealed his three top picks to win the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations spotlighting Nigeria Ivory Coast and hosts Morocco as the teams most likely to lift the coveted trophy .
A Vote for the African Powerhouses
Gyans selection rooted in his vast experience competing at the highest levels of African football highlights a fascinating mix of recent finalists reigning champions and a formidable host The former Sunderland and Al Ain striker who played in two AFCON finals for Ghana articulated his choices while also expressing disappointment over his nations absence from the tournament .
I think weve got a lot of giants who are going there Gyan stated Ghana is out which we are very disappointed but it is okay we have qualified for the World Cup Nigeria did well they were close the last two years Ivory Coast did well so we have a lot of teams Morocco is also a strong contender who are also doing well I will say these three countries that I have mentioned Nigeria Ivory Coast and Morocco are favourites .
The Super Eagles Seeking Redemption
Nigeria the three-time AFCON champions have been identified by Gyan as a key contender The Super Eagles recently finished as runners-up in the 2023 edition held in 2024 losing narrowly to Ivory Coast in the final This recent success coupled with the squads immense individual talent featuring stars like Victor Osimhen and others plying their trade in top European leagues gives them a strong claim .
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For Nigeria the 2025 AFCON in Morocco carries the added weight of redemption Following their failure to qualify for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup the pressure will be on the Super Eagles to channel that disappointment into continental glory An AFCON triumph would not only secure their fourth title but also serve as a vital morale boost for the team and its passionate fanbase Their performance in the last tournament proved they have the tactical discipline and star power to go all the way making them a logical choice for any pundit .
The Elephants Defending Their Crown
The inclusion of Ivory Coast is equally compelling The Elephants are the reigning AFCON champions having dramatically won the 2023 tournament on home soil against all odds Their victory showcased not only individual brilliance but also a resilient team spirit capable of navigating the gruelling knockout stages .
While defending an AFCON title away from home is notoriously difficult Ivory Coast boasts a deep talent pool and the experience of having recently crossed the finish line The psychological edge of being continental champions combined with a squad that is still largely intact and playing at a high level makes them an undeniable threat Gyans nod acknowledges their status as a continuous powerhouse in African football one that opponents will undoubtedly fear .
The Host Nation Morocco’s Formidable Challenge
Morocco completes Gyans list and their selection is perhaps the most heavily favoured by current form and home advantage The Atlas Lions made history at the 2022 FIFA World Cup becoming the first African and Arab nation to reach the semi-finals of the tournament This achievement solidified their status as a global footballing force and significantly raised expectations for their continental performance .
As hosts of the 2025 AFCON Morocco will benefit from fervent home support an invaluable factor in major tournaments Furthermore their squad is stacked with world-class talent including CAF Mens Player of the Year Achraf Hakimi and goalkeeper Yassine Bounou who have consistently performed at the elite level Leveraging their tactical acumen defensive solidity and the electrifying atmosphere of their home stadiums Morocco is seen by many including Gyan as a team perfectly poised to lift the trophy for the first time since 1976 .
The Bigger Picture
Gyans analysis delivered during an event celebrating the continents finest footballing achievements offers a concise snapshot of the competition landscape for the 35th edition of the AFCON scheduled to run from December 2025 to January 2026 While the veteran striker laments Ghanas inability to qualify his focus remains on the giants who have earned their place .
The selection of these three nations underscores the highly competitive nature of modern African football where traditional heavyweights must battle rising forces Nigeria Ivory Coast and Morocco represent the pinnacle of current African footballing quality and are set up for what promises to be a thrilling high-stakes battle for the continents most prized silverware The countdown to December 2025 has begun and all eyes will be on Gyans three favourite countries to see if they can live up to the expectations of a continental legend .
Disclaimer:
The news information presented here is based on available reports and reliable sources concerning Asamoah Gyans public statement Readers should cross-check updates and official tournament news from official news outlets and CAF communications .