Nigeria now overwhelming favourites to win AFCON 2023 according to Supercomputer

The Super Eagles of Nigeria are now odds on to claim their fourth Africa Cup of Nations title after Opta’s supercomputer gave the Nigerians the highest win probability of any team left in the competition.

Nigeria has not lifted the trophy since 2013 and could move level with neighbours Ghana for the number of AFCON trophies won if the Supercomputer’s prediction comes to pass.

The Super Eagles came into the 2023 AFCON tournament as one of the favourites to win the trophy, but an opening match draw against Equatorial Guinea adversely affected their chances.

However, since then, Nigeria has been outstanding in the tournament, defeating Ivory Coast and Cameroon en route to the quarterfinal where they are set to face Angola.

Nigeria’s improved form as well as the exit of other tournament favourites such as Morocco and Egypt now leaves the Super Eagles as the overwhelming choice for the trophy.

According to Opta, Nigeria has a 29.5% chance of becoming champions of the 2023 AFCON, nearly double the next favoured team Ivory Coast, who only have a 15.4% chance of claiming the title on home soil.

The Super Eagles’ high probability of winning is certainly enhanced by their possible route to the 2023 AFCON final, especially after the exit of Morocco, who were the toughest team on their side of the bracket.

Nigeria’s next fixture is against Angola in the quarterfinal and if the Super Eagles successfully navigate the tricky encounter, they will face either South Africa or Cape Verde in the semifinals.

While this is certainly the easier-looking route to the final, the Super Eagles must be wary of potential banana skins that could derail their ambition for a fourth AFCON title in Ivory Coast.