AFCON 2023: Ex Everton Striker Names Four Favourites for AFCON Title, Includes Nigeria

• Yakubu Aiyegbeni has backed Nigeria to win AFCON 2023
• The ex-Everton forward also named three other contenders
• Senegal are the defending champions of the competition

The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations kicked off with some interesting results as powerhouses like Egypt, Nigeria, and Ghana all dropped points in their opening group matches.

The Super Eagles leveled the score against Equatorial Guinea with Victor Osimhen's goal. Mohamed Salah's additional time penalty earned the Pharaohs a point, while the Black Stars were surprised by Mozambique in their first game, losing 2-1.

Ex-Everton forward, Yakubu Ayegbeni, has keenly followed the competition and has predicted four teams, including Nigeria and Senegal, which he thinks are favourites to end up as champions, Daily Post reports.

“Nigeria has the quality to win it. But there is also Senegal, Cameroon, and even Guinea, who have some real talent.”

AFCON 2023: Super Eagles coach names the African nation He Thinks can win the tournament

Football

Senegal are the reigning African champions, and the Teranga Lions are seeking to be the first country to win back-to-back AFCON titles since Egypt won it thrice in a row in 2006, 2008, and 2010.

Ekong sends message to Nigerians

Meanwhile, Super Eagles vice-captain, William Troost-Ekong, has urged Nigerians not to relent in their support for the team after their disappointing 1-1 draw against Equatorial Guinea, Complete Sports reports.

Troost-Ekong thanked the fans for their support and encouraged them to rally behind the Super Eagles ahead of their upcoming games against Ivory Coast and Guinea Bissau.

Nigeria, who are seeking a fourth continental trophy, must avoid defeat in their next game against the Elephants to keep their hopes of qualifying for the AFCON knockout phase alive.

Toure backs Senegal for AFCON

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Yaya Toure has snubbed his home country, Ivory Coast, while picking his favourite teams to win the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

Tom Saintfiet: Gambia National Team Manager Names Favourite Team to Win AFCON 2023

Football

Toure, who had successful spells with Barcelona and Manchester City during his playing days, cited qualification form as the reason for his selection, with Senegal and Guinea Bissau part of the best.

The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations is scheduled to begin on January 13, 2024, with seven-time champions Egypt seen as one of the tournament's favourites, having reached the final twice in the previous three editions.