The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), scheduled to kick off in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, is already generating significant buzz and anticipation. Among the pundits offering their predictions is Claude Le Roy, the esteemed coach who guided Cameroon to their 1988 AFCON triumph, the last time the tournament graced Moroccan soil. Le Roy has identified a cluster of frontrunners, including hosts Morocco, perennial contenders Senegal, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Egypt, and Algeria, all possessing the pedigree and potential to lift the coveted trophy. He also acknowledges the rising threat of South Africa and the enduring resilience of Cameroon, cautioning against underestimating their capabilities.
Nigeria, a nation steeped in AFCON history, boasts an impressive collection of 16 medals – three gold, five silver, and eight bronze. Their recent performance as runners-up in the previous edition, where they fell short against hosts Ivory Coast in the final, underlines their continued competitiveness. Drawn into a group comprising Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania, the Super Eagles, now under the tutelage of Franco-Malian coach Eric Chelle, are determined to secure their fourth AFCON title. Their campaign commences on December 23 against Tanzania at the Fez Stadium, followed by encounters with Tunisia and Uganda, providing a stern test of their ambitions. Le Roy’s endorsement of Nigeria as a title contender adds weight to their aspirations, recognizing their historical standing and current form.
Le Roy’s perspective is particularly significant given his personal connection to Morocco and the AFCON. His 1988 victory with Cameroon, achieved on Moroccan soil, remains a defining moment in his coaching career. The final, a tense 1-0 affair against Nigeria, settled by a controversial Emmanuel Kundé penalty, is etched in the annals of AFCON history, a memory both poignant and triumphant for Le Roy. His return to Morocco for the 2025 edition, a country he describes as a “great football nation,” evokes a sense of nostalgia and anticipation, a chance to revisit the scene of his greatest achievement. He expresses confidence in Morocco’s ability to host a world-class tournament, anticipating an exceptional spectacle befitting the nation’s passion for football.
Morocco, as hosts, naturally shoulder the weight of expectation. Their home advantage, coupled with the burgeoning talent within their ranks, positions them as prime contenders. Senegal, the reigning AFCON champions, will be driven to retain their crown, showcasing their formidable squad and tactical prowess. Ivory Coast, having tasted success in the previous edition, will aim to replicate their winning formula, drawing strength from their passionate home support. These three nations, alongside Nigeria, form the core of Le Roy’s predicted frontrunners, each possessing the potential to dominate the tournament.
However, the field is far from predictable. Egypt, a seven-time AFCON champion, remains a force to be reckoned with, their experience and tactical acumen making them perennial contenders. Algeria, boasting a blend of youth and experience, will be eager to make their mark, their attacking flair a potential game-changer. Le Roy also highlights the progress made by South Africa under their astute coach, suggesting they could be a dark horse capable of upsetting the established order. Cameroon, the nation he led to glory in 1988, also warrants attention, their history of resilience and ability to perform on the big stage making them a potential threat.
The 2025 AFCON promises to be a captivating spectacle, a convergence of footballing talent and national pride. The six cities chosen to host the matches will become arenas of intense competition, showcasing the passion and skill of Africa’s finest footballers. The group stage, a crucial determinant of each nation’s fate, will witness fierce battles for supremacy, setting the stage for the knockout rounds, where the pressure intensifies and the stakes become even higher. The final, a culmination of weeks of exhilarating football, will crown the continental champion, a moment of glory and celebration for the victorious nation. Le Roy’s insights, shaped by his extensive experience and intimate knowledge of African football, provide a valuable perspective on the upcoming tournament, highlighting the key contenders and the potential for surprises. His return to Morocco, the scene of his historic triumph, adds a further layer of intrigue to the narrative, as he witnesses the evolution of African football and the unfolding drama of the 2025 AFCON.
