Ghana Snubbed Again As Former Nigerian Player Lists His Favourites for the 2023 AFCON Trophy

• Mutiu Adepoju has named his favourites to win AFCON 2023
• He represented the Super Eagles with 48 caps and six goals
• AFCON 2023 will take place from January 13 to February 11

Three African powerhouses have been tipped by an ex-Nigeria star as the favourites to win the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, scheduled to kick off in Ivory Coast next year.

Senegal will aim to defend the title they won two years ago as the continent's 24 best teams get set to contest Africa’s biggest football prize from January 13 to February 11.

According to Punch, former Super Eagles forward Mutiu Adepoju, who won the tournament with Nigeria in 1994, believes the AFCON 2023 title will come down to one of three countries.

"We will wait until the tournament starts and see how it ends but I know Nigeria are among the favourites to win it. I will also tip Egypt and Senegal but it is going to be difficult to say who will be the winner until the championship starts."

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Each of these nations has a rich pedigree at the AFCON, with the Super Eagles winning it three times and the Pharaohs having won the championship a record seven times.

The Indomitable Lions defeated Egypt via penalties to claim the most recent title.

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Meanwhile, former RC Lens signing and ex-Super Eagles defender, Benedict Akwuegbu has backed the Super Eagles to reach the finals of AFCON 2023 in Ivory Coast, Soccernet reports.

Nigeria has failed to qualify for the finals of the competition since 2013, a year in which they defeated Burkina Faso 1-0 to win the title for the third time in the tournament's history.

The Super Eagles were knocked during the first knockout stage of the 2021 edition in Cameroon but will be hoping to right that wrong by going all the way and claiming the AFCON title.

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Sports Brief previously reported that Nigeria need to develop a winning mentality to stand a chance of winning the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

Tipped as one of the favourites, the Super Eagles are bidding to end a 10-year wait for a title they last won in 2013 under the late Steven Keshi.

Ex-Super Eagles goalkeeper, Peter Rufai said the current crop of Nigerian players has what it takes to win but they must foster a winning culture.