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Former Chelsea forward Salomon Kalou has named Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi, Ademola Lookman and Samuel Chukwueze as the key figures he believes could drive Nigeria to success at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, Footynaija.com reports.
Kalou considers the Super Eagles among the favourites for the tournament, following their runners-up finish at the 2023 AFCON, where they lost the final to hosts Ivory Coast.
Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle has selected a 28-man squad for the competition, blending experienced internationals with new faces, some of whom made their debuts in a recent friendly against Egypt. All players are set to depart for Morocco today from their Cairo base.
Kalou insists it would be difficult for any team to get the better of a Nigerian team powered by Osimhen, Lookman, Ndidi and Chukwueze.
“Nigeria look very strong this year,” Kalou wrote in his weekly blog as per the Tribuna.
“With Victor Osimhen leading the line, they have one of the most feared strikers in world football.
“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. Nigeria were runners-up last time, and with this mix of stars they’ll believe they can go all the way.”
Kalou also highlighted Morocco, Senegal and Egypt as major threats, praising Senegal’s quality and Egypt’s reliance on Mohamed Salah’s match-winning ability.
However, the 2015 AFCON winner concluded that his strongest picks for the title remain Ivory Coast and Nigeria.
“Senegal and Egypt also have to be mentioned,” Kalou added.
“Senegal’s squad is full of quality, with Sadio Mané and Kalidou Koulibaly still leading the way, while Egypt remain dangerous thanks to Mohamed Salah’s ability to decide matches on his own. Both nations have the pedigree to reach the knockout rounds and cause problems for anyone they face.
“For me, those are the teams most likely to be battling it out in the latter stages, but I do think Ivory Coast or Nigeria are the ones I’d put my money on.”
Nigeria last won the AFCON in 2013 and have pre triumphed on North African soil, lifting the trophy in Tunisia in 1994.
