Morocco have been tipped as the leading favourites to win the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, with Nigeria ranked fifth among the top contenders ahead of the tournament.
The assessment, released by British sports data analytics company Opta, comes as anticipation builds for the competition scheduled to hold in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, a period many fans expect will deliver another thrilling and unpredictable AFCON.
Opta’s supercomputer has tipped hosts Morocco as the leading favourites for the title, giving them a 19.1 per cent chance of winning the Africa Cup of Nations for the second time.
Morocco’s only AFCON triumph came in 1976. During the group stage of that tournament, they played out a 2–2 draw with Sudan, edged Zaire 1–0 and defeated Nigeria 3–1. In the final round, the Atlas Lions continued their strong run with victories over Egypt and Nigeria, both by 2–1 margins, before a 1–1 draw with Guinea sealed the historic title.
Riding an 18-match winning streak, Morocco enter AFCON 2025 as the tournament favourites. Coach Walid Regragui’s Atlas Lions combine tactical discipline with blistering attacking speed, led by key figures like Brahim Díaz, Youssef En-Nesyri, and goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Their defensive strength and consistency make them the team every opponent wants to avoid, according to Opta. Egypt follow closely, with a 12.4% chance of winning a record-extending eighth African title, having previously lifted the trophy in 1957, 1959, 1986, 1998, 2006, 2008, and 2010.
Fifteen years have passed since their last triumph, but Opta notes that Egypt still rely heavily on Mohamed Salah, who is pursuing his first continental title despite inconsistent club form.
With seven AFCON titles already, the Pharaohs’ experience, combined with Salah’s individual brilliance, keeps them firmly in contention for the crown.”
Senegal, winners of their first AFCON title, have a 12.3% chance of retaining it, led by Sadio Mané and attackers Ismaïla Sarr and Iliman Ndiaye.
Algeria, 2019 champions, are fourth favourites at 12%, while Nigeria, three-time champions and runners-up in 2023, are fifth with a 7.3% chance under new coach Eric Chelle. Other contenders include Ivory Coast, Tunisia, Mali, Cameroon, South Africa, and DR Congo.