Nigerian punters who want to place bets on the 2025/2026 AFCON tournament should check our AFCON betting guide. Here, you can discover some AFCON favourites to win the tournament as well as see the forms of the players heading into Morocco.
List of AFCON 2025/2026 Favourites
The Africa Cup of Nations, scheduled to be conducted in Morocco in 2025/2026, is anticipated to be a thriller competition with numerous formidable teams striving for the title. While there are no specific favourites outlined in the presented search results, we can collate some insights into potential contenders based on most recent performances and rankings.
Algeria
Algeria qualified for AFCON 2025 with one of the strongest records in the campaign, finishing as group winners without a single defeat. They enjoyed an excellent run, showing balance in attack and defence, scoring consistently while keeping things tight at the back. Their unbeaten form highlights strong momentum going into the finals, but tougher challenges are expected once they face higher-ranked opponents in the main tournament. Despite this, Algeria remain one of the most competitive sides in the competition and are expected to make a deep run if they sustain their current level.
Egypt
After falling just short of the title in the previous edition, Egypt are back with serious ambitions in AFCON 2025. Led by Mohamed Salah, the squad once again secured qualification for the tournament, finishing their qualifying group with a near-perfect record and demonstrating strong defensive and offensive balance. Placed in what many view as a tougher AFCON group, Egypt are expected to deliver under pressure—whether they are playing at home or away—thanks to their experience, depth, and familiarity with the demands of this competition.
Senegal
Being the defending champions, Senegal will undeniably be among the AFCON favourites to hold the trophy yet again. Despite the fact that Senegal is a powerful contender based on the ongoing rankings and performances, it will go against tough competition from the other African national sides.
Considering AFCON top scorers record in Nigeria, the likes of Rashidi Yekini, Segun Odegbami, Julius Aghahowa, Obafemi Martins, and Yakubu Aiyegbeni have at different times, clinched the golden boot award. There’s also an anticipation among the fans that current players; Victor Osimhen and Samuel Chukwueze could replicate this feat in the forthcoming AFCON tourney.
Other Golden Boot Threats
Nigeria’s historical attacking pedigree is well-documented, with legends such as Rashidi Yekini, Segun Odegbami, Julius Aghahowa, Obafemi Martins, and Yakubu Aiyegbeni all winning top-scorer accolades in past AFCON editions.
Today, Victor Osimhen and Samuel Chukwueze are among the most anticipated Nigerian attackers and are expected to be strong contenders in the AFCON 2025 Golden Boot race.
AFCON 2025 Group Favourites
If you are interested in finding the AFCON predictions for group matches, check the section below.
Group A – Morocco, Mali, Zambia, Comoros
Host nation Morocco are clear favourites to advance, backed by one of the most complete squads in Africa.
Mali and Zambia are strong enough to fight for a top-two place, while Comoros arrive as underdogs capable of surprising one of the bigger sides.
Group B – Egypt, South Africa, Angola, Zimbabwe
While Egypt are expected to top the group, South Africa look well-balanced and competitive.
Angola and Zimbabwe can both cause problems if they find late form, but progression will likely require points against at least one of the continent’s heavyweights.
Group C – Nigeria, Tunisia, Uganda, Tanzania
Nigeria enter AFCON 2025 as one of the favourites, thanks to world-class attacking options.
Tunisia are experienced tournament competitors, while Uganda and Tanzania will look to play the spoiler role in this competitive section.
Group D – Senegal, DR Congo, Benin, Botswana
Senegal and DR Congo are expected to lead Group D.
Benin and Botswana will target disciplined defensive performances and counter-attacks to keep qualification hopes alive.
Group E – Algeria, Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, Sudan
Algeria are the favourites in Group E, with Burkina Faso next closest in quality due to their strong recent AFCON runs.
Equatorial Guinea have proven tough in major tournaments, while Sudan must exceed expectations to progress.
Group F – Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, Gabon, Mozambique
Defending champions Côte d’Ivoire headline this group, while Cameroon remain a powerhouse with winning pedigree.
Gabon and Mozambique will need elite performances to threaten the top two positions.
AFCON 2025 Top Scorers Favourites
# | PLAYER | FG | GOALS |
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Victor Osimhen (Nigeria)
One of Africa’s most dangerous strikers, Osimhen is expected to be among the top scorers thanks to his explosive pace, finishing ability, and confidence from continental qualifiers and league play.
Mohamed Salah (Egypt)
Although Egypt often play controlled football, the presence of Salah means there will always be goalscoring potential. He remains a likely Golden Boot candidate.
Sadio Mane (Senegal)
Senegal’s main attacking weapon still has the tools and experience to dominate opponents and grab decisive goals across the tournament.
AFCON 2025 favourites FAQs
If you have more questions about the African Cup of Nations tournament, check the FAQ section below.
Right now, there is no clear favourite to win AFCON, as many strong contenders are still in the tournament. Some of the more favoured nations include Nigeria, Senegal, Egypt, and Algeria.
Factors such as their current form, history in the competition, and the strength of the squad determine which teams are seen as favourites.
Egypt is one side that has consistently performed in AFCON tournaments, lifting the trophy 7 times. Additionally, Nigeria and Cameroon also often perform well, and reach the final stages of the tournament.