Nigeria, Dec. 21 -- As the curtain rises on the Africa Cup of Nations 2025, the sense of anticipation across the continent is unmistakable.

Twenty-four nations, shaped by history, hunger and recent form, converge on Morocco chasing Africa's most prized football crown.

From seasoned giants with continental scars to ambitious outsiders hoping to disrupt the hierarchy, AFCON 2025 promises a collision of pedigree and possibility.

With Morocco and Comoros set to ignite the tournament at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah in Rabat, the stakes could not be higher.

Qualification pathways, recent FIFA rankings, squad value, tactical depth and psychological readiness all shape the pecking order.

Below is a comprehensive, analytical ranking of al...