AFCON: Deschamps snubs Nigeria, Senegal, names Egypt among favourites

The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is fast approaching, and as teams prepare to showcase their talents on the continental stage, famed French manager Didier Deschamps has weighed in on the potential favorites for the tournament. In a surprising twist, Deschamps, who led France to World Cup glory in 2018, has notably snubbed Nigeria and Senegal, instead naming Egypt as one of the frontrunners.

Deschamps' Surprise Selections

During a recent interview, Deschamps praised Egypt for their tactical discipline and the star power of Mohamed Salah, who has been in scintillating form for Liverpool. "Egypt has a rich history in AFCON, and with Salah leading the attack, they have a real chance this year," Deschamps remarked.

While Egypt enjoys the endorsement of Deschamps, his omission of Nigeria and Senegal has raised eyebrows among fans and analysts alike. Both nations boast a wealth of talent and have been strong performers in recent years, with Senegal reaching the finals in the last edition of AFCON and Nigeria consistently showing their prowess in the tournament.

Why the Snub?

Deschamps explained his decision, stating, "While Nigeria and Senegal are both very strong teams, I believe their current form has not been as consistent as Egypt's. AFCON is unforgiving, and consistency is key."

Nigeria, with its array of attacking options such as Victor Osimhen and Samuel Chukwueze, has the potential to prove Deschamps wrong. Meanwhile, Senegal, led by Bayern Munich star Sadio Mane, will look to capitalize on their recent successes and aim to secure their first-ever AFCON title.

The Road to AFCON

The 2024 AFCON, set to be held in Côte d'Ivoire, promises to be a thrilling spectacle. Teams across the continent are gearing up for what is expected to be one of the most competitive tournaments in recent memory. With Deschamps' predictions now public, the added pressure and motivation may serve as a catalyst for Nigeria and Senegal to prove their mettle.

As the tournament draws nearer, the debate over favorites will continue to rage on. Whether Deschamps' predictions will hold true remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: AFCON 2024 will be a tournament to remember.