Soccer
Chelsea’s Didier Drogba and Manchester United’s Rio Ferdinand fight for the ball in air. Photo by Steeve McMay/Cameleon/Imago
Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has thrown his weight behind Nigeria to win the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Soccernet.ng reports.
The former West Ham United defender cited the Super Eagles’ star power and attacking quality as decisive factors.
Speaking amid Nigeria’s run to the latter stages of AFCON 2025, Ferdinand admitted personal bias but insisted the Super Eagles’ squad depth makes them his standout pick for the title.
The 2013 AFCON champions have been one of the tournament’s most convincing sides with their ruthless attacking play.
Speaking on his podcast, Rio Presents, Ferdinand explained why he is backing Nigeria — and why choosing anyone else would not go down well with his circle.
“All of my African friends – most of them are probably 75% of them are Nigerian. And if I say anyone else they’re gonna kill me. I know it’s not secure yet, but nah, they’ve got Osimhen, though.”
The former England defender went on to list Nigeria’s key attacking figures and their influence at the tournament.
“Osimhen’s looking to go past [Rashidi] Yekini. You’ve got [Ademola] Lookman, the [2024] African Player of the Year. Like they’ve got [Alex] Iwobi playing. Like I’d like to see Nigeria, man.”
Watch Manchester United legend’s comment on Nigeria here:
Who are we saying to win AFCON from here? Rio, Joel and Ste pick their favourites
Egypt
Senegal
Morocco
Nigeria #CRAFTDCC: @rioferdy5, @joelbeya, @MrStephenHowson, pic.twitter.com/EtSJ90gl3D
— Rio Ferdinand Presents (@RioMeets) January 14, 2026
Soccer Who is likely to win AFCON 2025?
Nigeria remain among the favourites to lift the trophy after scoring freely across the tournament and dispatching heavyweight opponents on their route to the semi-finals.
Led by Osimhen’s relentless presence, Ademola Lookman’s among other experienced players in the squad, Eric Chelle’s men are poised to win the title.
However, standing in their way are a defensively resolute Morocco side and the pressure of playing against tournament hosts backed by a passionate home crowd.
Should Nigeria overcome that challenge, Ferdinand’s prediction may prove prophetic as the Super Eagles edge closer to a fourth AFCON crown.
Ayomide Oguntimehin
Ayomide Oguntimehin is a CAF-accredited sports journalist and Editor at Soccernet.ng. He has interviewed Super Eagles stars like William Troost-Ekong, Taiwo Awoniyi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, and Ademola Lookman, and is known for breaking major transfer stories.
Ayomide has worked with Sports Brief, Naija News and served as Social Lead Editor at Legit.ng. He has also featured on Goal, TVC News, Sports Mole, and Milan News24. He holds a Master’s degree and is currently pursuing a PhD. Follow Ayomide on X (formerly Twitter): @ayo_oguntimehin
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