The countdown to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations has begun, with Morocco preparing to host Africa’s biggest football tournament in the coming days. As the continent’s top stars come together to battle it out for the prestigious AFCON crown for their countries, focus shifts to a competition known for producing great goalscorers.
With several nations blessed with in-form attacking talents, the race for the prestigious golden boot award promises to be an exciting one.
This piece highlights five players who could end up as top scorers at the 2025 African Cup of Nations tournament in Morocco.
Victor Osimhen (Nigeria)
Unsurprisingly, Nigeria’s leading marksman Victor Osimhen appears on this list as he gets ready to lead his country to glory in Morocco.
The 26-year-old is one of the most prolific forwards in world football and his tally of 31 goals in 46 appearances for the national team, is only six shy off becoming the Super Eagles’ all-time record scorer.
While the Galatasaray talisman has only scored once at the African Cup of Nations, his devastating form means he is poised to add to the tally as he hopes to lead Nigeria’s charge for the continental glory.
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Brahim Diaz (Morocco)
Moroccan forward Brahim Diaz is another player expected to challenge for the prestigious African Cup of Nations golden boot award.
Since switching allegiances to the Atlas Lions in 2024, the 26-year-old has scored eight times in 15 matches and finished as topscorer during the qualification rounds for the tournament with seven goals.
Now set for his first big test with the country, the Real Madrid winger is expected to lead the attack for the host nation, who are seeking to end their 49-year wait for a second continental crown.
Mostafa Mohamed (Egypt)
When Egypt is mentioned, attention often turns to Premier League stars Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush, but Nantes striker Mostafa Mohamed could also be a serious contender for the 2025 AFCON golden boot.
The 28-year-old finished joint-second at the last tournament with four goals and also scored in the Pharaohs’ 2-1 warm-up win over Nigeria.
Emilio Nsue (Equatorial Guinea)
Equatorial Guinea captain Emilio Nsue overcame all odds to finish as top scorer of the 2023 edition of the African Cup of Nations with five goals.
The 36-year-old will also be eyeing another prolific outing in Morocco, as he will be looking to join an esteemed list of players with two golden boots.
Nsue will be hoping to lead the Red Devils past group E, where they will compete with the likes of Algeria, Sudan and Burkina Faso.
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Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Gabon)
Former Arsenal forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang rounds off this list as he prepares for action at the AFCON with Gabon.
The 36-year-old has scored six times in previous appearances at the tournament, although he has never won the golden boot award.
Aubameyang will be hoping to inspire the Panthers beyond the group stages and to the next round ahead of heavyweights Cameroon and defending champions Ivory Coast in a difficult group.
