Highest scoring defender in Afcon history names three countries as Nigeria's biggest tournament rivals

Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has played down suggestions that Nigeria are the outright favourites to win the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Across three editions of the Africa Cup of Nations, Troost-Ekong has scored five goals in 16 matches, the most by any defender in the competition's history.

The 32-year-old , who led Nigeria to a runners-up finish at the last edition of the tournament in Ivory Coast, named Morocco, Ivory Coast and Senegal as the biggest threats to the Super Eagles’ title ambitions.

Speaking in an interview with the Confederation of African Football, Troost-Ekong said Nigeria’s impressive squad depth does not automatically make them favourites.

“I think that’s overstated. We’ve got an amazing squad—too many players to name—but objectively, Morocco are at home and in great form; Côte d’Ivoire are defending champions; Senegal,… there’s no such thing as a clear favourite at AFCON," Troost-Ekong told CAF's official webpage.

The former Watford and Udinese centre-back warned his teammates against complacency, stressing that the tournament remains unpredictable and highly competitive.

"Last time, not many tipped us to go that far. You can’t win a tournament with expectations, and we won’t get complacent. 

"AFCON is difficult, and strong teams can emerge from unexpected places. We trust ourselves, but I wouldn’t say we’re clear favourites," he added.

Nigeria came agonisingly close to lifting their fourth AFCON title in 2023 but were edged 2–1 by hosts Côte d’Ivoire in the final in Abidjan.

The Super Eagles have been drawn in Group C alongside Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania.

The team will be hoping to redeem themselves and secure a record-equaling fourth continental crown to further cement their place among Africa's footballing elite.

Adeyemi Adewale

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