Nigeria is now the favourite to win the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, following the elimination of all other top contenders.

The nations cup holding in Cote d’Ivoire, has produced plenty surprises with the top five ranked teams on the continent – Senegal, Morocco, Egypt, Algeria and Tunisia – all failed to reach the last eight.

South Africa defeated bookmaker’s favourite and African number one Morocco 2-0 on Tuesday night.

This followed defending Champions, Senegal’s shocking exit in the hands of Cote d’Ivoire who qualified for the round of 16 as one of the best losers.

Lowly rated Democratic Republic of Congo also sent record champions, Egypt parking after a marathon penalty shootout.

While Algeria and Tunisia failed to even make it past the group stages.

With the elimination of other big names, Nigeria is now the only top 6 ranked team in the tournament, and now favourites to lift the competition.

The Super Eagles will definitely fancy their chances, but can’t be too confident as no team is a push over.

Ranked sixth in Africa, Jose Peseiro’s side will face Palanca Negras of Angola on Friday for a place in the last four.​

Cote d’Ivoire, Mali, South Africa, Congo DR, Cape Verde, and Guinea are the other teams left in the competition.