The anticipation is mounting as the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) approaches, and Ivory Coast gets ready to host the finals for the second time. What are the chances of the Super Eagles to win the tournament?
The highly-anticipated tournament is set to commence on Saturday, January 13, with Ivory Coast taking on Guinea-Bissau at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan. Before AFCON 2023 kicks off the odds that Nigeria will win the tournament according to 1xBet are 11.
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Group A |
Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea, Guinea-Bissau |
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Group B |
Egypt, Ghana, Cape Verde, Mozambique |
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Group C |
Senegal, Cameroon, Guinea, The Gambia |
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Group D |
Algeria, Burkina Faso, Mauritania, Angola |
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Group E |
Tunisia, Mali, South Africa, Namibia |
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Group F |
Morocco, DR Congo, Zambia, Tanzania |
This edition of Afcon will witness the participation of 24 teams, divided into six groups of four teams each. In Group A, the host nation will compete against three-time champions Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea, and Guinea-Bissau. Group B features a heavyweight clash between Egypt, the most successful team in Afcon history, and Ghana, led by former Newcastle and Brighton boss Chris Hughton. Group C presents a tantalizing fixture between holders Senegal and Cameroon.
The group stage matches are poised to showcase thrilling encounters, with teams vying for supremacy in their respective groups. Notable matchups include Morocco facing former winners DR Congo and Zambia in Group F, and Egypt, seven-time champions, locking horns with Ghana in Group B.
The tournament format, venues, and kick-off times are all crucial aspects that football enthusiasts are eager to learn about. BBC Sport Africa is committed to providing comprehensive coverage, offering fans all the essential information ahead of the 34th edition of Africa’s most significant sporting event.
Group A is particularly intriguing, with West African powerhouses Ivory Coast and Nigeria emerging as the frontrunners. While the host nation holds the favorites tag, Nigeria presents an enticing prospect as a potential value bet. Nigeria’s attacking prowess, featuring Victor Osimhen, Kelechi Iheanacho, Samuel Chukwueze, and Ahmed Musa, sets them apart, although the absence of Victor Boniface, Taiwo Awoniyi, and Wilfred Ndidi due to injuries poses challenges.
Afcon Eagles Camp update
❗️🔈Terem Moffi now confirmed as replacement for injured Victor Boniface#soarsupereagles #letsdoitagain pic.twitter.com/NLjLIxGwms
— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) January 9, 2024
Victor Boniface’s unfortunate exclusion is a setback for Nigeria, but Terem Moffi has been called up as his replacement. Despite facing hurdles, Nigeria remains a dominant force in African football, boasting three Afcon titles. The Super Eagles, however, face a dip in confidence amid struggles in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
According to BBC and Opta’s predictor model, Nigeria is among the top contenders, with an 8.1% chance of lifting the Afcon trophy and an impressive qualification probability of just above 85% for the Round of 16. The Super Eagles, led by the 2023 African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen, showcased their goal-scoring prowess with 22 goals in qualifying, establishing themselves as a formidable force in the competition. As the Afcon kickoff nears, football enthusiasts worldwide eagerly await the drama and excitement that the tournament promises to deliver.
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Africa Cup of Nations 2023 – tournament predictions by Opta |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Team |
Last 16 |
Quarter-final |
Semi-final |
Final |
Winners |
|
Senegal |
88.8% |
57.2% |
36.5% |
21.7% |
12.8% |
|
Ivory Coast |
84.6% |
53.4% |
33.4% |
19.9% |
12.1% |
|
Morocco |
89.7% |
55.6% |
33.2% |
19.3% |
11.1% |
|
Algeria |
91.5% |
56.1% |
30.9% |
17.4% |
9.7% |
|
Egypt |
88% |
53.9% |
29.6% |
16% |
8.5% |
|
Nigeria |
85.3% |
48.5% |
27.6% |
15.3% |
8.1% |
|
Cameroon |
82.3% |
47.6% |
27.8% |
14.9% |
7.4% |
|
Tunisia |
84.6% |
48.2% |
25.4% |
13.1% |
6.3% |
|
Ghana |
80.9% |
44.1% |
22.1% |
11.1% |
5.3% |
|
Mali |
76% |
39.4% |
19.1% |
8.7% |
3.7% |
|
Congo DR |
68.8% |
33.2% |
14.7% |
6.3% |
2.4% |
|
South Africa |
66.8% |
31% |
13.5% |
5.5% |
2.1% |
|
Burkina Faso |
70.1% |
30.7% |
12.2% |
4.9% |
1.9% |
|
Guinea |
54.9% |
22.6% |
9.5% |
3.7% |
1.5% |
|
Zambia |
58.5% |
24.8% |
10% |
3.8% |
1.4% |
|
Cape Verde |
52.9% |
20% |
7.9% |
2.8% |
0.9% |
