William Ekong, Stanley Nwabali of Nigeria during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations AFCON qualifier match between Nigeria and Benin Republic at Godwill Akpabio Stadium on September 7, 2024 in Uyo, Nigeria. [Photo credit/ Imago]
Africa Cup of Nations-winning coach Claude Le Roy has praised Nigeria’s Super Eagles while sending a strong warning to Africa ahead of the next AFCON, Soccernet.ng reports.
Nigeria finished as runners-up at the last tournament, losing to hosts Côte d’Ivoire in the final. For Morocco 2025, the Super Eagles have been drawn into a group alongside Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania.
With a proud AFCON history that includes 16 medals—three gold, five silver, and eight bronze—Nigeria will once again be among the tournament favourites.
However, Le Roy believes the battle for the title will be fierce. The former Ghana and DR Congo coach sees hosts Morocco, Egypt, Senegal, and Côte d’Ivoire as strong contenders, while Nigeria and South Africa could also be in the mix.
The 1988 AFCON-winning coach also identified one team that should not be overlooked.
“Logically, they (Morocco) are the biggest favorites,” Le Roy told LeSitelnfo.
“Senegal, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Algeria… Egypt is always a formidable opponent in this competition. We must also be careful with South Africa, which continues to progress thanks to a very good coach. Cameroon is also one of the competitors who are always difficult to beat.”
Le Roy famously led Cameroon to victory at the 1988 AFCON—the last time Morocco hosted the tournament—defeating Nigeria 1-0 in the final, thanks to an Emmanuel Kundé penalty.
That controversial loss remains one of Nigeria’s most painful AFCON moments and stands as Le Roy’s greatest coaching achievement.
Now 77, the Frenchman looks forward to returning to the scene of his biggest triumph.
“Today, the Kingdom is capable of organizing a World Cup. I think that the next African Cup will be exceptional, in a country that I love. It is a great football nation. For my part, it will bring back many memories. I won the CAN in Morocco, and it is a great pleasure for me to return there,” he said.
Nigeria, aiming for their fourth AFCON title, will be eager to go one step further in Morocco after their heartbreak in Côte d’Ivoire.
This post was last modified on February 9, 2025 3:20 pm
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