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| Super Eagles Team |
In preparation for the AFCON showdown in Ivory Coast, the Super Eagles, three-time AFCON champions, are part of the 24 national teams set to compete for a fourth continental crown.
However, Opta's AI-driven insights, in collaboration with BBC Sport, reveal that Nigeria is ranked as the sixth most likely nation to secure victory in the upcoming tournament, slated to commence this weekend.
According to the report, defending champions Senegal emerge as the frontrunners, with a 12.8% probability of clinching the coveted trophy, surpassing all other contenders.
Senegal secured their inaugural AFCON title in 2022 in Cameroon, triumphing over Egypt in a penalty shootout.
Cote d'Ivoire, the hosts of the 2023 edition, hold a 12.1% rating, positioning them as the second favorites behind Senegal in the quest to claim Africa's crown for the third time.
Meanwhile, Morocco (11.1%), Algeria (9.7%), and Egypt (8.5%) are deemed to have better chances of winning the AFCON compared to Nigeria, which holds an 8.1% probability.
Notably, Nigeria's odds surpass those of former champions Cameroon, Tunisia, South Africa, Ghana, and Zambia, indicating a competitive field.
Opta's predictions are grounded in a meticulous analysis, considering betting market odds, proprietary team rankings, potential draws, and challenges each nation may encounter on their journey to the final.
Despite facing setbacks like injuries to key players Victor Boniface and Wilfred Ndidi, Nigeria's prospects are buoyed by the presence of Africa Player of the Year, Victor Osimhen. Osimhen, who scored ten goals during the qualification campaign, securing a lead of five goals over his closest rivals, is poised as the player to watch at the AFCON.
Nigeria's opening match at the AFCON is scheduled against Equatorial Guinea on Sunday, January 14th.
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