With AFCON 2025 just around the corner, anticipation is building ahead of a tournament that promises drama, surprises and relentless competition.
Hosted by Morocco, this year’s edition brings together 24 nations chasing continental glory across six groups, with familiar heavyweights and dangerous outsiders all in the mix.
Few understand the unpredictability of the Africa Cup of Nations better than Victor Ikpeba. The former Super Eagles striker and AFCON winner believes this tournament will once again test mentality as much as talent.
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“The Biggest Threat Is Ourselves”
For Ikpeba, Nigeria’s challenge starts from within. Despite the quality available to the Super Eagles, he insists that internal pressure and expectation often play the biggest role in deciding how far teams go at AFCON.
“The biggest threat to winning AFCON is ourselves! I can put Senegal, Morocco there among the favourites, but they will be under pressure. Cameroon will always be there because you never know the Cameroon that will turn up but because they have that history, this fighting spirit, you know, sometimes they turn up whenever they are in this big competition.”
It is a familiar theme in African football. Talent alone guarantees nothing, and tournaments are often decided by composure, organisation and belief across seven demanding matches.
Why Nigeria Will Always Be in the Conversation
Despite that warning, Ikpeba has no doubts about Nigeria’s place among the contenders. The Super Eagles arrive in Morocco with a squad packed with European-based stars and players who have already experienced AFCON heartbreak and success.
“But Nigeria, we will be there. I think players really want to achieve something. For themselves and for the fans. In Nigeria we know all the fans are very, very passionate about the Super Eagles.”
That hunger, coupled with fan expectation back home, often defines Nigeria’s AFCON campaigns. With leaders across the pitch and a generation eager to write their own chapter, belief remains high.
Hosts and Heavyweights Under Pressure
Morocco’s role as hosts adds another layer to the tournament. Backed by home crowds and fresh from recent international success, the Atlas Lions are widely tipped as favourites, but Ikpeba is clear that pressure cuts both ways.
“The favourites will be the hosts – I do feel Morocco have to be up there among the favourites. Senegal also have to be one of the favourites, along with Nigeria and Cameroon will be there.”
History, pedigree and experience matter at AFCON, and Ikpeba’s shortlist reflects nations that know how to navigate the unique demands of the competition.
Big Names May Fall Short
Not every heavyweight makes Ikpeba’s list. Despite Egypt’s record haul of AFCON titles and Algeria’s recent continental success, he believes this tournament may be beyond them.
“I don’t think Algeria can win it. I don’t think the Egyptians can win it – I don’t think having Salah will be enough.”
AFCON has often shown that individual brilliance alone rarely delivers trophies. Balance, structure and tournament management usually decide the outcome.
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Dark Horses
While Ikpeba’s core favourites remain clear, he also highlights one side capable of causing problems without much noise.
“But I do feel the Cameroon and Morocco, Senegal, Nigeria will be my favourites – and I also wouldn’t rule out the South African side because they are a very solid team, difficult to break down and they play very, very good football, you know.”
South Africa’s discipline and organisation could make them one of the tournament’s most awkward opponents, especially in knockout football where fine margins rule.
Unpredictable As Ever
If Ikpeba’s assessment tells us anything, it is that AFCON 2025 will once again punish complacency and reward focus. Favourites carry pressure, outsiders carry belief, and every game demands respect.
For Nigeria, the message is clear: the talent is there, the opportunity is there, but success will depend on mindset as much as ability when the Super Eagles step onto Africa’s biggest stage in Morocco.
Bet9ja AFCON Outright Winner Odds
| Team | Odds |
| Morocco | 3.55 |
| Egypt | 6.50 |
| Algeria | 7.00 |
| Senegal | 7.00 |
| Nigeria | 10.00 |
| Tunisia | 13.00 |
| Ivory Coast | 13.00 |
| Mali | 13.00 |
| Cameroon | 17.00 |
| South Africa | 41.00 |
| DR Congo | 51.00 |
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