Kalou Backs Nigeria To Win AFCON 2025 With Osimhen Leading The Line

Former Ivorian international Salomon Kalou has expressed confidence that Nigeria’s Super Eagles have what it takes to win the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, which kicks off this Sunday in Morocco.

The Super Eagles were runners-up in the last edition held in Ivory Coast, but Kalou believes this squad has the quality and depth to go all the way this time, despite not being the tournament favourites.

Osimhen, Lookman, and Squad Depth

Speaking in an interview with Duelbits, the 2005 AFCON winner praised Nigeria’s attack led by Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman as a decisive advantage.

“Nigeria look very strong this year. With Victor Osimhen leading the line, they have one of the most feared strikers in world football,” Kalou said.

“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,” he added.

Can Nigeria Deliver?

Although the squad is talented, Nigeria have had some setbacks in recent months. They lost their warm-up game to Egypt and also failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup after losing to DR Congo on penalties in the playoff final.

Still, Eric Chelle’s men are determined to put on a strong showing in Morocco as they pursue a fourth AFCON title. The Super Eagles begin their campaign against Tanzania next Wednesday and will round off the group stage with matches against Tunisia and Uganda.

Kalou’s backing adds a vote of confidence for Nigeria fans, with hopes high that Osimhen and his teammates can turn potential into continental glory.

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