'They need to avoid Ivory Coast' - Salomon Kalou warns Nwabali on Super Eagles' Afcon chances

Former Chelsea forward and Ivorian legend, Salomon Kalou, has playfully warned Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali over his confidence in Nigeria’s chances of winning the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

Nwabali had earlier expressed optimism that Nigeria could clinch their fourth continental title, following their narrow 2-1 defeat to host nation Ivory Coast in the 2023 AFCON final in Abidjan.

The Chippa United shot-stopper said the team is motivated to deliver after falling short in the last edition.

Reacting to Nwabali’s comments during a SuperSport analysis segment, Kalou joked that Nigeria’s best chance of winning the trophy would be to avoid facing the Elephants of Ivory Coast.

"For Nigeria to win, maybe they need to avoid Ivory Coast," Kalou teased.

The former Ivorian international went on to praise his country’s resilience and passion during their triumphant 2023 AFCON campaign, describing the feeling of winning on home soil as incomparable.

"It is a great feeling to win especially when you win at home, in front of your people, the whole stadium, I think no feeling can beat that.

"You can ask any player that played at the high level, winning for your country is something different. It doesn't touch close to winning for your club in Europe."

Kalou also reminisced about his own experience lifting the AFCON trophy in 2015, recalling the overwhelming celebration upon returning home.

"Because you're coming home and you see that in the face of everybody. When we won in 2015, we came to the airport and stayed there for like 3-4 hours and we are just happy to be celebrating with our people,” he added.

Nigeria have been drawn in Group C alongside Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania as they aim to equal Ghana’s record of four AFCON titles.

Despite the growing expectations ahead of AFCON 2025, the Super Eagles remain firmly focused on securing qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup through the playoff stage.

Nigeria will battle Gabon, DR Congo, and Cameroon for a place in the intercontinental playoffs, which offer a final route to the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Head coach Eric Chelle is expected to unveil his squad soon for the crucial fixtures against Gabon and potentially the winner between DR Congo and Cameroon.

Adeyemi Adewale

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