In our Nigeria AFCON odds latest news article, we look at the Super Eagles' chances of winning the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) among other markets, and also reflect on how a triumph this year would compare to their previous successes.
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Nigeria AFCON odds latest news – Current outrights
To win AFCON – 7/1
After the shock exits of Algeria, Ghana and Tunisia, Nigeria are currently third-favourites to win AFCON, with only Morocco and Senegal – the latter of which won their group with a perfect nine points – ahead of them in the outright stakes.
Having been poor in recent tournaments, Nigeria and their fans in attendance at this year's AFCON will have more hope than ever of reliving the glorious 1990s, and their latest triumph in this tournament 11 years ago. But for now, the challenge is to at least surpass their performance of AFCON 2021, when they were knocked out in the Round of 16.
At the very least, doing so puts them two further wins away from making it to the final – a feat they are currently 7/2 to achieve.
To have the top scorer (12/1)
After he finished as top scorer in qualifying, we projected Osimhen as favourite to finish as AFCON top scorer before the tournament. At present, though, it seems as though he will not be this AFCON's top gun. His top scorer odds were sent spiralling up by Equatoguinean forward Emilio Nsue, due to his incredible hat-trick against Guinea-Bissau one week ago.
The 12/1 odds put Osimhen joint-second with Egypt's Mostafa Mohamed, despite scoring two goals fewer than him. Mohamed has filled the gap left behind by the injured Mohamed Salah well so far, scoring in every group game.
All is not lost for Osimhen yet of course, and anyone who has full faith in him can also back a Nigeria outright/Osimhen top scorer combo at 33/1.
Who are Nigeria playing in the AFCON round of 16?
Nigeria are playing against Cameroon for a place in the AFCON 2023 quarter finals. We'll have some expert picks coming in the next couple of days, but they are comfortable favourites to win at 6/5. Meanwhile, Victor Osimhen is 23/5 to score first against the Indomitable Lions.
Nigeria's potential route to the final
If current odds are reflected in results, and if FIFA rankings are anything to go by, Nigeria would have an easier time in the quarter-finals. Either Angola or Namibia would await the Super Eagles, and though they would be favourites against either side, they'd certainly underestimate the former at their peril, with Angola finishing top of Group D.
Beyond that, the likeliest semi-final opponent would be Morocco, who still command much respect after finishing fourth at the 2022 World Cup. A final with reigning champions Senegal then looks likely, though on the evidence of the Lions of Teranga's perfect group stage, Osimhen et al would struggle to join the likes of Okocha, Kanu, Moses and Mikel in the hall of Nigerian immortality.
How would 2023 triumph compare to previous ones?
Nigeria have won AFCON three times. Firstly, they did it in 1980 when they were hosts, then again in Tunisia 14 years later, before most recently lifting the trophy in 2013. However, the key difference compared to the 2023 tournament is that fewer teams competed.
A more drawn-out knockout stage is always challenging and seldom helpful, especially in an era where pace and stamina is everything. As such, there is a very strong argument that if they do win AFCON 2023, it would be right up there among their greatest triumphs.
