AFCON 2025: Avoid Nigeria — Ivory Coast legend gives 3 reasons why Super Eagles can win tournament

Ivorian football legend Salomon Kalou has picked the Super Eagles as the team to avoid in the knockout round, warning that Eric Chelle's side were slowly building up strength. 

Nigeria’s AFCON campaign began unconvincingly, with a 2–1 win against Tanzania. They were much improved, especially offensively in the 3–2 against Tunisia, and were nearly perfect when they beat Uganda 3–1 in the final game of the group stage. 

Having closely observed Nigeria’s progression, as one of the analysts covering the competition, Kalou singled out the Super Eagles as the team to avoid. 

He explained that Nigeria were slowly building up strength and had incredible unrealised potential which he expects to materialise during the knockout stage. 

“If you had to pick one team to avoid right now, who is it and why?” he was asked.

“Nigeria,” Kalou told Duelbits.com. “They look strong, confident, and they haven’t even hit their highest level yet. 

“When a team is winning without playing their best football, that’s when you should worry. They have match-winners everywhere and a mentality that suits knockout football.

The Super Eagles begin the knockout round of the tournament with a clash against Mozambique on December 5th at Fez Stadium, Fez. Victory against the Mambas potentially sets up a grudge match against Algeria.