AFCON 2025: Former Chelsea star names only one country that will stop Nigeria

Former Ivory Coast international Salomon Kalou has asserted that his nation is the only team capable of preventing Nigeria from winning the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

The ex-Chelsea star's comments came in response to Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, who had expressed strong confidence in Nigeria's prospects for the tournament. Nwabali stated that the team is highly motivated to secure the title after their recent final defeat.

Ivory Coast famously defeated Nigeria 2-1 to clinch the 2023 AFCON trophy on home soil in Abidjan. Referencing that loss, Nwabali indicated the Super Eagles are determined to achieve a different outcome this time.

Speaking on SuperSports, Kalou countered Nwabali's optimism, suggesting that Nigeria's path to victory would be clear only if they managed to avoid a matchup with the reigning champions.

Reflecting on the Elephants' triumphant 2023 campaign, Kalou described the unique joy of winning a major trophy at home.

"It is a great feeling to win, especially when you win at home, in front of your people, the whole stadium. I think no feeling can beat that.

"You can ask any player who played at the high level; winning for your country is something different. It doesn’t touch close to winning for your club in Europe," he said.

For the 2025 AFCON, Nigeria has been drawn in Group C alongside Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania.