Former Ghana and Chelsea ace Michael Essien has tipped Nigeria, Ghana, Egypt and Senegal as favourites to lift the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations slated for this Summer.
Essien told Goal.com in an interview that the caliber of players at the disposal of these countries makes them top contenders for the trophy.
“That [question on the favourites] is a difficult one because there are so many good teams these days – it’s very difficult to choose the eventual winner,” Essien told Goal.
“You cannot rule out the North African teams, especially the host nation Egypt with Mohamed Salah.
“Then Ghana and the West Africans like Nigeria, Senegal, Cameroon are all strong teams, so the winner could come from there.
“It’s too close to call, so may the best side win.”