Former Ghana captain Asamoah Gyan has tipped Nigeria as one of the major contenders for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title, set to be hosted in Morocco from December 21, 2025 to January 18, 2026.

With Ghana missing out on qualification for the tournament, Gyan believes the Super Eagles stand out among the strongest teams alongside hosts Morocco and reigning champions Ivory Coast.

Despite Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico, expectations remain high as the three-time African champions look to challenge for a fourth continental crown.

Speaking on the sidelines of the 2025 CAF Awards in Morocco on Wednesday, Gyan said Nigeria’s recent setbacks could serve as motivation heading into the competition.

“I think we’ve got a lot of giants who are going there. Ghana is out, which we are very disappointed about, but it is okay — we have qualified for the World Cup. Nigeria did well; they were close the last two years. Ivory Coast did well, so we have a lot of teams,” Gyan said on the red carpet.

He added that Morocco, performing strongly in recent years, join Nigeria and Ivory Coast as his leading favourites.

“Morocco is also a strong contender that is doing well. I will say these three countries that I have mentioned — Nigeria, Ivory Coast and Morocco — are favourites.”

Nigeria are drawn in Group C, where they will face Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda.

The Super Eagles open their campaign against Tanzania on December 23, take on Tunisia on December 27, and round off the group stage against Uganda on December 30.

Nigeria last lifted the AFCON trophy in 2013 under the late Stephen Keshi, adding to previous triumphs in 1980 and 1994.