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As the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, begins this weekend, football fans and experts are excitedly preparing for a thrilling tournament featuring African top talents.
Several African players playing in different clubs across Europe, Asia and across the world have reported to their respective national teams’ training camps ahead of the 2025 AFCON, starting on Sunday, in Morocco.
DAILY POST takes a look at some African players to watch, who could become key figures in their teams’ pursuits of glory in Morocco.
1. Achraf Hakimi
Hakimi is the reigning African Player of the Year after recently winning the award ahead of Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen and Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah.
The Paris Saint-Germain defender is currently recovering from an ankle injury, but he is expected to recover on time before the competition starts and also play a crucial role for Morocco.
Hakimi can join attacks and also coupled with his defensive skills, makes the former Real Madrid star a player to watch.
2. Mohamed Salah
Salah is expected to be the talisman for Egypt during the tournament despite his recent issues with Liverpool and manager Arne Slot.
Recall that Salah had a controversial, explosive interview in which he accused the Reds of throwing him under the bus and also suggested that he had no good relationship with Slot.
The 33-year-old was subsequently dropped from the Liverpool squad, but was later reintegrated after “peace talks” and played his last game in their 2-0 win against Brighton which he provided an assist before departing Anfield for the 2025 AFCON.
However, Salah’s incredible pace, goal-scoring ability and dribbling skills make him a constant threat, with Egypt aiming to win the AFCON trophy, Salah’s leadership and experience will be crucial for the team.
3. Victor Osimhen
The Galatasaray striker has been in magnificent form, boasting impressive records in the Turkish Super Lig.
Osimhen’s physical presence and scoring prowess can help the Super Eagles of Nigeria advance far in the tournament.
The 26-year-old scored a goal as Galatasaray defeated Antalyaspor 4-1 in their last game, and fans will be eager to see if the former Napoli hitman can replicate his club success on the international stage in Morocco.
4. Mohamed Amoura
Amoura was Africa’s top scorer in the World Cup qualifying series, scoring 11 goals in eight games for Algeria.
The Wolfsburg striker, who is in form, is expected to lead Algeria to advance from Group E, which includes the likes of Burkina Faso, Sudan and Equatorial Guinea.
Speaking with DAILY POST on Tuesday, Media Consultant and Football Development Expert, Ibrahim Lawal, hinted at some African players to watch out for in Morocco.
Lawal, however, noted that new talents are expected to emerge when the tournament kicks off.
“A new wave of African players is doing well in international leagues, making their mark in Europe’s top 5 leagues.
“These players are keen to feature in this year’s AFCON, which culminates with an opportunity to play at the 2026 FIFA World Cup,” Lawal said.
“There are notable names to watch out for in the African tournament. It will be imperative to mention some of the key players.
“Hakimi of Morocco. Though a defender but his recent performance in both club and country stands him out; he is the current African Footballer of the Year and a Champions League winner with PSG.
“Osimhen of Nigeria is in top form at the moment. He helped Nigeria to second place in the last AFCON.
“Other African players include the consistent Liverpool winger Mohamed Salah, Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman, who is the immediate past African footballer of the year 2024, and is also a force to reckon with.
“Sadio Mane is one of the best players to come out of Senegal. Bryan Mbeumo and Ahmad Diallo are doing well for Manchester United, too.
“Hopefully, these names may stand out in Morocco, but Africa has many talents who are hungry and ready to prove themselves in the AFCON. It is pertinent to note that new names and talents will surface when the tournament kicks off.”
AFCON 2025: African stars to watch out for as tournament begins this weekend
