Former Real Madrid midfielder Mutiu Adepoju has shared his assessment of the standout teams at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, highlighting three countries that have caught his eye apart from the Super Eagles.

The Super Eagles will head into Saturday evening's quarterfinal clash against Algeria in Marrakesh brimming with confidence, having emerged victorious in all four of their matches so far in regulation time, the only team in the tournament to do so.

Another positive is that Eric Chelle's team have scored the most goals, twelve in total, something they didn't do in the previous Africa Cup of Nations under former manager Jose Peseiro.

However, their defence has been shaky, having conceded four goals, although they managed to keep a clean sheet in their most recent outing against Mozambique.

Despite a turbulent week, which saw star players Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman embroiled in an on-field disagreement and a bonus dispute, Adepoju singled out Nigeria, Morocco and Senegal as the countries he believes have shown genuine title-winning potential.

"Apart from the Super Eagles, Morocco have been making statements. Let's forget about the second-round match they played that was hard for them to win," Adepoju said on Eagle7 Sports Radio.

The 1994 Afcon winner also reserved praise for Ivory Coast's Elephants, noting their steady rise in performance levels as the tournament has progressed.

"Ivory Coast have been very strong right from the beginning. Just like Nigeria, they have been improving. Egypt — let's see what happens today."

Adepoju further highlighted Senegal's pedigree and consistency on the continental stage.

"Senegal have made a statement. These are very strong teams that are potential winners of Afcon alongside Nigeria."

The winner of the Algeria versus Nigeria clash will face hosts Morocco in the semifinals of the 2025 Afcon on Wednesday, January 14 at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel