Where does Nigeria rank among the 24 teams at AFCON 2023?

The Super Eagles kick off their 2023 AFCON campaign against Equatorial Guinea and we examine their chances of lifting the trophy come the end of the tournament in vory Coast

As the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations kicks off in the vibrant landscape of the Ivory Coast, the continent braces for an exhilarating football spectacle.

The AFCON is notorious for its unpredictability, where giants often stumble and underdogs rise. In the spirit of foreseeing the unforeseeable, we take a dive into ESPN's attempt at ranking the participating teams.

24. Tanzania

AFCON chances: Occasionally attractive play, demonstrated by holding Algeria to a 0-0 draw in September. Can they replicate this resilience to navigate AFCON?

Stumbling block: Scoring woes, as none of the other teams scored fewer than Tanzania's three goals in qualifiers.

23. Namibia

AFCON chances: Mamelodi Sundowns' Peter Shalulile, a goal machine in qualifiers, injects hope. Namibia is capable of causing upsets, and the COSAFA derby against South Africa promises fireworks.

Stumbling block: Historical struggles, as three previous campaigns ended in group stage exits. Internal issues, including a bonus dispute, add to the challenges.

22. Mauritania

AFCON chances: Third consecutive AFCON appearance, demonstrating character despite a three-point deduction. Competitive at home, but can they replicate this away?

Stumbling block: Struggling away from home, Mauritania remains a different prospect outside familiar surroundings.

21. Cape Verde

AFCON chances: Impressive draws against Morocco and a home victory over Burkina Faso. Experienced heads fuel optimism against tough group opponents.

Stumbling block: In transition, relying heavily on veterans from the glory years, posing a challenge for sustained success.

20. Angola

AFCON chances: Benefiting from a weak qualifying group, Angola boasts flair and creativity, notably with Cagliari's Zito Luvumbo.

Stumbling block: Missing key players, including Fiorentina's M'bala Nzola. The team's reliance on veterans might hinder their progress.

19. Mozambique

AFCON chances: A sprinkling of genuine talent, with Atletico Madrid's Reinildo Mandava and Sporting Lisbon's Geny Catamo leading the charge. Their attacking flair and defensive resilience were showcased in eliminating Benin during qualifications.

Stumbling block: Mozambique returns to the AFCON high table after 14 years as rank outsiders. Their track record of zero victories in 12 previous AFCON matches doesn't paint an optimistic picture.

18. Guinea

AFCON chances: In-form striker Serhou Guirassy, a Bundesliga sensation with 17 goals in 14 games. Can he lead the line effectively?

Stumbling block: Guirassy's injury concern raises questions. Beyond him and Naby Keita, the squad may lack the firepower against strong opponents.

17. Gambia

AFCON chances: Talented and well-drilled under Tom Saintfiet, quarterfinalists in 2022. Could have been confident, but...

Stumbling block: Disastrous tournament preparation, marked by a bonus row, a misguided training camp in Saudi Arabia, and near-carbon monoxide poisoning during their flight to Ivory Coast.

16. Zambia

AFCON chances: Abundant attacking options with Lameck Banda, Patson Daka, and Fashion Sakala. Coach Avram Grant's experience adds depth.

Stumbling block: Defensive frailties, conceding more than most in qualifications. Grant faces a challenge to shore up the defense before the tournament.

15. Guinea-Bissau

AFCON chances: Consistent qualifiers in recent times, reaching the last four tournaments. Now, they must prove they've learned from past continental campaigns.

Stumbling block: Struggling to find the net, failing to score in their last seven AFCON appearances.

14. South Africa

AFCON chances: Competitive team based on Mamelodi Sundowns' style. Players like Percy Tau add experience and flair.

Stumbling block: Missing key goal threats in Lebo Mothiba and Lyle Foster. Tensions between coach Hugo Broos and SAFA could impact the team's performance.

13. Equatorial Guinea

AFCON chances: Decent AFCON pedigree, never eliminated in the group stage. They play with unity and discipline.

Stumbling block: Lack of top-end talent playing in major European leagues. Struggle to impose themselves against tougher opposition.

12. DR Congo

AFCON chances: Defensive organization, keeping eight clean sheets in 2023. Sebastien Desabre's side looks solid.

Stumbling block: Vulnerable to counter-attacks and set pieces. Lack of a prolific striker raises concerns.

11. Ghana

AFCON chances: In-form Mohammed Kudus, a standout performer for West Ham. A blend of experienced and emerging talent under coach Chris Hughton.

Stumbling block: Struggles in 2023 against USA, Mexico, and Comoros. Hughton's safety-first approach may limit attacking options. Injured absentee Thomas Partey is a considerable loss.

10. Burkina Faso

AFCON chances: AFCON wildcards, consistently underrated. Hubert Velud's guidance and experienced players like Edmond Tapsoba offer hope.

Stumbling block: Talisman Bertrand Traoré's lack of playing time in the Premier League. Internal mutiny against Velud could affect team dynamics.

9. Cameroon

AFCON chances: Demonstrated character, defeating Algeria and battling back against Burkina Faso. Reconciliation with André Onana adds strength.

Stumbling block: Prone to crises that could derail their title hopes. Off-field interventions and unforeseen scandals may disrupt the campaign.

8. Mali

AFCON chances: A continuous production line of talent, excelling at youth and senior levels.

Stumbling block: Historic underachievement, often faltering under pressure. Poorly timed injury crisis prompts a reshuffle.

7. Tunisia

AFCON chances: Consistent knockout stage appearances in the last 10 tournaments. Grit and determination to overcome challenges.

Stumbling block: Slow starters, often struggling in opening games. Absence of key players like Hannibal Mejbri, Ferjani Sassi, and Wahbi Khazri may impact creativity.

6. Algeria

AFCON chances: Retaining core players from the 2019 title-winning squad. Riyad Mahrez's inspirational presence and motivation for redemption.

Stumbling block: Ageing squad with key players past their prime. Dependence on older players raises concerns about stamina and resilience.

5. Egypt

AFCON chances: Astute navigation of AFCON history, reaching five of the last six finals. Mohamed Salah's match-winning capabilities.

Stumbling block: Overreliance on Salah. Lack of alternative match-winners if he's neutralized by opponents.

4. Nigeria

AFCON chances: Immense talent on paper, including Victor Osimhen. A powerful attack that, if clicking, can dominate.

Stumbling block: Lack of faith in head coach Jose Peseiro. Injuries to key players like Wilfred Ndidi and Victor Boniface. Goalkeeping concerns add to the challenges.

3. Ivory Coast

AFCON chances: Hosting advantage and lowered expectations. Sébastien Haller, though under scrutiny, holds the key.

Stumbling block: Heavy reliance on Haller, with the omission of Wilfried Zaha. Supporting cast showing signs of decline.

2. Senegal

AFCON chances: Aiming for back-to-back titles, bolstered by World Cup knockout success. Unified team spirit, a resilient defence, and attacking options under coach Aliou Cisse.

Stumbling block: Limited weaknesses, but the potential impact of key players' moves to the Saudi league on competitiveness.

1. Morocco

AFCON chances: Best-run federation with a talented, tactically united team. Successful World Cup semifinal run underlines their pedigree.

Stumbling block: Poor club form of influential creators Ziyech and Boufal. Morocco's historical AFCON let-downs and pressure to break the trend may affect performance. Will they overcome past disappointments? Only time will tell.

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