We have given an AFCON Player of the Tournament projected odds update after the two Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finalists were confirmed in Nigeria and hosts Ivory Coast. The former beat South Africa 4-2 on penalties in the first semi-final after a 1-1 draw after extra-time, while the latter beat DR Congo 1-0 in the second semi-final to book their place in Sunday's final.
The Player of the Tournament (POTT) is likely to come from one of these two nations as a result, although we have also thrown in one outsider pick that could be in contention once the winner is announced…
AFCON Player of the Tournament projected odds update: Our picks
William Troost-Ekong – Nigeria
Troost-Ekong will certainly be in contention for the POTT, especially if Nigeria go on to win the final. He has scored two goals from centre-back, both penalties, including the winner against fellow finalists Ivory Coast in the group stage.
He was also reliable from the spot in Nigeria's penalty shootout win against South Africa in the semi-final, and his general performances warrant a special mention. No Super Eagles player has made more clearances (4.4) or blocks (0.4) per game than Troost-Ekong at AFCON so far, while he also ranks second for average aerial duels won (3.6) and passes made (35).
Franck Kessie – Ivory Coast
Kessie has been one of Ivory Coast's standout players at AFCON, in what has otherwise been a rollercoaster of a tournament for the hosts. The midfielder has produced one goal and assist, and notably scored the winning spot-kick in their penalty shootout victory over Senegal in the round of 16.
He has also averaged more interceptions (1.3) per game than any other Ivorian player in the squad, and ranks highly in a number of other key metrics. Nonetheless, should Ivory Coast go on to win the final on their own turf, Kessie's odds of winning POTT will only enhance further.
Ademola Lookman – Nigeria
Lookman is currently on three goals for the tournament, and is the only player who could realistically catch Emilio Nsue (five) at the top of the charts and win the Golden Boot. That would require a hat-trick in the final, but given his form we would not put it past him!
The winger also has one assist to his name, while no Nigerian player has averaged more key passes (2.2) or crosses (1.2) per game in the tournament than him. If Nigeria win AFCON, Lookman will be one of the first names on fans' lips for POTT.
Seko Fofana – Ivory Coast
Fofana is only one of three outfield players to have started all six games for Ivory Coast at AFCON so far, highlighting his role as one of their key players. He also boasts one goal and assist from midfield – with that assist a crucial one as it sent the hosts through to the semi-finals with a last-minute winner against Mali.
Fofana has also averaged more shots (2.5) per game than any of his teammates in the tournament, and will be aiming to get on the scoresheet in Sunday's final. Should he do so, he could be in contention to win POTT.
Emilio Nsue – Equatorial Guinea
Nsue is an outsider to win POTT given Equatorial Guinea were knocked out in the round of 16 to Guinea. However, his five goals in the tournament should not go unnoticed, and he is on course to win the Golden Boot.
Those goals all came in the group stage, as Nsue helped Equatorial Guinea top a group that contained finalists Nigeria and Ivory Coast! This included a brace in Equatorial Guinea's 4-0 thrashing of the hosts, and a hat-trick in their 4-2 victory over Guinea-Bissau. Nonetheless, considering he plays for a smaller nation, Nsue could certainly come into contention.
Check out our AFCON 2023 predictions and betting tips!
