As the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) kicks off this weekend, football fans and analysts are gearing up for an exciting tournament showcasing some of Africa’s finest talents.

Several African players from clubs across Europe, Asia, and beyond have joined their national teams’ training camps in preparation for the competition, which begins on Sunday in Morocco.

Here are some African players to keep an eye on, who could play pivotal roles in their teams’ quest for glory:

1. Achraf Hakimi
The reigning African Player of the Year, Hakimi recently claimed the award ahead of Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen and Egypt’s Mohamed Salah. The Paris Saint-Germain defender is recovering from an ankle injury but is expected to be fit for the tournament.

Hakimi’s ability to join attacks while maintaining strong defensive skills makes him one of Morocco’s key assets. The former Real Madrid star’s versatility and experience will be crucial for the host nation.

2. Mohamed Salah
Salah is expected to lead Egypt in the tournament despite recent challenges at Liverpool with manager Arne Slot. The 33-year-old winger’s pace, goal-scoring instincts, and dribbling skills make him a constant threat on the pitch.

Egypt will rely on Salah’s leadership and experience as they aim to lift the AFCON trophy, and his presence could be decisive in high-stakes matches.

3. Victor Osimhen
Nigeria’s Galatasaray striker has been in exceptional form in the Turkish Süper Lig. Osimhen’s physicality and scoring ability could propel the Super Eagles deep into the tournament.

The 26-year-old recently scored in Galatasaray’s 4-1 win over Antalyaspor, and fans will be eager to see if he can replicate his club success on the international stage.

4. Mohamed Amoura
Amoura was Africa’s top scorer in the World Cup qualifying campaign, netting 11 goals in eight games for Algeria. The Wolfsburg striker is expected to lead Algeria through Group E, which features Burkina Faso, Sudan, and Equatorial Guinea.

Football development expert Ibrahim Lawal highlighted the emergence of several African players making waves in international leagues, noting that new talents are likely to shine once the tournament begins.

“A new generation of African players is performing impressively in top leagues across Europe,” Lawal said. “These players are eager to make their mark in AFCON 2025, with the tournament serving as a pathway to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

“Key players to watch include Morocco’s Hakimi, Nigeria’s Osimhen, Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman, Senegal’s Sadio Mane, as well as Manchester United’s Bryan Mbeumo and Ahmad Diallo. While these names stand out, Africa has a wealth of talent ready to prove themselves, and new stars are expected to emerge during the competition.”