Éric Chelle: 'Here are the favorites for the 2025 AFCON title' | OneFootball

Éric Chelle reveals the favorites for the 2025 AFCON

Éric Chelle / @x.com/CoachDan_Ijabal

The 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 is just around the corner and promises to be a fiercely contested tournament. The participating teams are all on a similar technical level, setting the stage for some thrilling matches packed with spectacle and intensity.

In an exclusive interview with the Confederation of African Football's website (CAF) , Nigerian coach Éric Chelle shared his thoughts on the teams most likely to lift the trophy, while also expressing his personal ambition to guide the Super Eagles to continental glory.

Éric Chelle breaks down Nigeria's chances at AFCON 2025

Chelle recalled that his previous experience with Mali, where he reached the quarter-finals in the last edition in Côte d’Ivoire, is a major asset as he aims for even greater success with Nigeria. He does not hide his goal of capturing the African title.

According to him, teams like Morocco, Tunisia, and Côte d’Ivoire are in top form and rank among the main contenders for the trophy.

The former Mouloudia d’Oran coach also emphasized just how tough the competition has become: AFCON is no longer just a proving ground for underdogs, but a true festival of football, where every nation is eager to show its progress and elevate its players' performances.

"Nigeria, with its rich footballing history and the quality of its players, must play at a level that matches its ambitions," Chelle stressed.

Regarding his group, he anticipates a fierce battle, noting Tunisia's excellent season, Uganda's progress under Paul Put, and the strength of Tanzania's domestic league.