Burkina Faso technical director, Vincenzo Alberto Annese, has tipped the Super Eagles of Nigeria to win the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) trophy in Morocco.

The 41-year-old Italian also identified Victor Osimhen as the tournament’s most dangerous striker.

The Super Eagles are set to face Algeria in Saturday’s quarter-final clash, with Annese singling out Osimhen as the “biggest threat in the whole tournament."

Nigeria have been the most prolific side at AFCON 2025, scoring 12 goals so far. Osimhen and Ademola Lookman account for half of that tally, underlining the team’s attacking depth and potency.

Speaking to Italian sports daily Corriere dello Sport, Annese praised Nigeria’s offensive strength, ranking them among the leading contenders for the title.

“Nigeria has a good attacking force. They are among the top teams, along with Ivory Coast, but I think they are more reliable,” he said.

Annese was particularly complimentary of Osimhen’s influence, describing the Napoli striker as the tournament’s best centre-forward.

“The Super Eagles have Osimhen, who, for me, is the strongest centre forward in the tournament. I watched the World Cup qualifiers, and when Osimhen leaves the pitch, Nigeria really change their face,” he added.

Osimhen currently has 34 international goals and is just three strikes away from equalling the late Rashidi Yekini’s record as Nigeria’s all-time leading scorer.

Algeria Test Looms

Nigeria remains the team to beat at AFCON 2025, boasting a tournament-high 12 goals. However, they face their sternest challenge yet against the Desert Warriors, who have conceded only once in the competition.

Saturday’s encounter will be the 25th senior-level meeting between Nigeria and Algeria.

The Fennecs have recorded 10 wins, while the Super Eagles have claimed nine victories in regulation time, with five matches ending in draws. Nigeria also triumphed in one of those drawn encounters via a penalty shootout.

(BusinessDay)

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