Former Ivory Coast international and AFCON winner, Salomon Kalou, has thrown his weight behind the Super Eagles of Nigeria to lift the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title in Morocco.

Nigeria came agonisingly close to continental glory at the last edition, finishing runners-up after a 2–1 defeat to hosts Côte d’Ivoire in the final. Under the guidance of Éric Chelle, the Super Eagles will be aiming to go one better and end their long wait for a fourth AFCON crown.

Writing in his weekly blog on Tribuna, Kalou expressed strong confidence in the quality and balance of the Nigerian squad, describing them as one of the most dangerous teams heading into the tournament.

“Nigeria look very strong this year. With Victor Osimhen leading the line, they have one of the most feared strikers in world football,” Kalou wrote.
“Add in the pace and creativity of Ademola Lookman and Samuel Chukwueze, plus Wilfred Ndidi’s stability in midfield, and you see a team with balance and depth.”

The Super Eagles’ pedigree at the Africa Cup of Nations speaks for itself. Nigeria have won the tournament three times, finished runners-up on five occasions, and claimed eight bronze medals, underlining their status as one of Africa’s traditional powerhouses.

At AFCON 2025, the West Africans have been drawn in Group C, where they will face Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uganda. Their campaign will kick off next Tuesday against the Taifa Stars of Tanzania.

Opinion: A Golden Chance Nigeria Must Seize

Kalou’s endorsement is not just praise—it reflects what many African football watchers already believe. This Super Eagles team is stacked with experience, talent, and unfinished business. The pain of losing the last final still lingers, and that hunger could become Nigeria’s biggest weapon in Morocco.

With Osimhen’s firepower, Lookman and Chukwueze’s flair, and Ndidi’s authority in midfield, Nigeria possess a blend of grit and glamour that few teams can match. However, talent alone has never won AFCON. Consistency, discipline, and mental strength will determine whether this squad finally turns promise into silverware.

If the Super Eagles approach each game with the focus of champions-in-waiting rather than favourites, a fourth AFCON title may no longer be a dream—but a destiny waiting to be fulfilled.