AFCON 2025: ‘Witch Doctor’ tips Super Eagles for glory in Morocco

Former Nigeria coach Philippe Troussier has thrown his weight behind the Super Eagles ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, tipping them as genuine contenders for the title in Morocco.

The Frenchman believes Nigeria have the quality and pedigree to go deep in a tournament he expects to be fiercely competitive.

Philippe Troussier, famously nicknamed “the White Witch Doctor” for his intense and unconventional coaching methods, has included Nigeria in a strong list of teams capable of lifting the AFCON trophy.

Speaking to Filgoal, the former Super Eagles coach stressed that the quality across the continent has never been higher, largely due to the growing number of African stars thriving in Europe’s top leagues.

“I am confident that the tournament will be strong and competitive, especially with the large number of African players in the major European leagues, which makes the tournament more like a mini World Cup,” Troussier said.

While the French tactician placed host nation Morocco slightly ahead of the rest, Nigeria were firmly included among the elite chasing the title. “For me, Morocco is in the lead, along with Ivory Coast, Senegal, Algeria, South Africa, Cameroon, Nigeria, and Egypt after that,” he added.

Nigeria enter the competition as three-time African champions, alongside Ivory Coast, with only Egypt, Cameroon, and Ghana boasting more AFCON titles in history.

The Super Eagles arrive in Morocco with a point to prove following their painful failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup via the playoffs.

That disappointment, sealed by a penalty shoot-out defeat to the Democratic Republic of Congo, has only heightened Nigeria’s determination to reclaim continental glory.

Troussier, who has also coached Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, South Africa, and Morocco, believes tournaments like AFCON often reward resilience and depth rather than outright favourites.

Morocco, meanwhile, have already begun justifying their status as frontrunners, opening the tournament with a composed victory over Comoros. Ayoub El Kaabi’s spectacular overhead kick and a composed finish from Brahim Diaz set the tone for the hosts’ campaign.