Marseille forward Mason Greenwood has backed Nigeria and Morocco to reach the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The 24-year-old forward, who currently plies his trade in the Ligue 1, was asked to pick his favourites for the tournament in a video posted on football influencer Kara’s (@UTDKara) page on X.
“(Nigeria) and I’ll probably say Morocco. They’ve obviously done well in the previous World Cup, and they’ve got a strong team,” Greenwood said.
When pressed further on which of the two sides would triumph, last season’s Ligue 1 top scorer suggested both teams could meet in the final.
“Morocco or Nigeria?” the interviewer asked, to which Greenwood responded, “Yeah, I’ll take that as a final.”
Greenwood’s prediction comes after Nigeria maintained their winning start at the tournament with a dramatic 3-2 victory over Tunisia on Saturday at the Complexe Sportif de Fès.
The Super Eagles, three-time African champions, secured top spot in Group C with six points from two matches, booking their place in the Round of 16 with a game to spare.
Nigeria’s victory over Tunisia means they have now won seven of their last eight group-stage matches at the Africa Cup of Nations, underlining their status as one of the tournament favourites.
The West Africans will be looking to end a 12-year wait for continental glory, having last lifted the trophy in 2013 under the late Stephen Keshi.
Meanwhile, hosts Morocco had their record-breaking 19-match winning streak snapped on Friday following a 1-1 draw against Mali in a Group A encounter.
The Atlas Lions required a Brahim Díaz penalty to take the lead before Lassine Sinayoko equalised from the spot in the 64th minute, leaving the hosts frustrated in front of their home fans.
Despite the setback, Morocco have extended their unbeaten run to 22 matches dating back to their round of 16 exit at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
The North Africans, who impressed at the 2022 FIFA World Cup by becoming the first African side to reach the semi-finals, remain strong contenders to win their second continental title, having last triumphed in 1976.
Morocco will need to secure qualification from Group A before they can think about reaching the final Greenwood has predicted for them.
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