Former Chelsea and Côte d’Ivoire forward, Salomon Kalou has delivered a detailed assessment of Nigeria’s Super Eagles and Cameroon at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Kalou, a key member of Côte d’Ivoire’s AFCON 2015-winning “golden generation”, shared his thoughts during an interview on Sports Radio, Brila FM.
Kalou insisted both teams (Nigeria and Cameroon) has remained among the continent’s most dangerous forces while urging caution ahead of a heavyweight showdown involving the Indomitable Lions.
“You Can Never Give Up on Them” – Kalou on Nigeria’s Super Eagles
Beyond Cameroon, Kalou was emphatic in his praise of Nigeria, identifying the Super Eagles as one of the standout teams at AFCON 2025.
“I think Nigeria looked solid,” Kalou stated.
Addressing criticism of Nigeria’s defensive lapses, he offered a broader perspective.
“Yes, the people say they take two goals at the end, but at the end of the day, we know how solid Tunisia is.”
Kalou was particularly impressed by Nigeria’s attacking output.
“Scoring three goals against Tunisia shows that this striking force of Nigeria is very dangerous,” he said.
He singled out key attacking figures for special mention.
“Lookman looks amazing, Victor Osimhen, we know what he can bring on the team with his energy and stuff.”
His conclusion was unequivocal:
“So you can never give up on Nigeria, you can never undermine them and say, they’re not going to make it.”
“So Nigeria, for me, is going to be there.”
Kalao Takes a Dig at a Familiar Rivalry
Kalou’s respect for Nigeria is rooted in long-standing rivalry, dating back to his own playing days. Recalling his goal against Nigeria at AFCON 2008, he added a personal touch.
“Every time I remember that goal, I think of Obi, right?” Kalou said.
“He was saying that the Nigerian team would destroy us.”
With a smile, he concluded:
“We don’t talk, we make it happen.”
“We Are Always Slow Starters” – Kalou Explains Côte d’Ivoire’s Approach
Kalou acknowledged that Côte d’Ivoire were not at their best in their opening match but insisted slow starts are part of the team’s tournament history.
“I thought that our first game was a little bit… we started slow,” he said.
“Côte d’Ivoire always is a slow starter. We showed that when we were in the AFCON in 2023 at home.”
He added:
“We need more games to get in the rhythm. And then when we get there, then we can be very dangerous.”
Kalou also highlighted the importance of the fixture within the broader group context, especially after Mozambique’s shock 3–2 win over Gabon on Sunday.
“Well, this group is very open,” he said.
“I think now that Mozambique today beat Gabon, they also have a chance to qualify.”
He added:
“If one team loses, it can be a really open group.”
“That Was the End of Our Golden Generation”
Kalou revealed the emotional weight of the 2015 title.
“It was the end of our golden generation,” he said.
“A lot of players left the team and that was the only chance that we had to win such a prestigious competition.”
“Cameroon Is Always Going to Be a Great Team” – Salomon Kalou
Cameroon won their opening AFCON2025 game and drew their second against defending champions, Cote d’ Voire opening performance at the tournament.
Kalou admitted he was impressed by what he saw from the four-time African champions.
“I was really impressed with the first game from Cameroon. I thought they played with a lot of energy, a lot of physicality,” Kalou said.
While acknowledging internal challenges within the Cameroonian camp, Kalou stressed that such issues rarely diminish their competitiveness.
“We knew that they had issues in the team before the half-time, letting out some key players,” he noted.
“But the way they played against Nabaon, they showed that Cameroon is always going to be a great team.”
According to Kalou, Cameroon’s identity remains unchanged regardless of personnel.
“Regardless, it doesn’t matter which team, which player they bring in the half-time, they’re always going to bring that energy, that competition.”
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Salomon Kalou Predicted Cameroon vs Ivory Coast Result Correctly
Speaking before the tight clash, primarily from an Ivorian perspective, Kalou acknowledged that Cameroon’s approach makes them a dangerous opponent for any side in the group.
“Based on those two games, I think we’ve got to be careful with Cameroon this afternoon,” he warned.
Pressed for a prediction, Kalou stopped short of backing a winner, instead forecasting a stalemate.
“I would say 1–1,” he said.
“Yes, to the fact that we are still progressing in our games.”
He explained that tactical experimentation and adaptation could influence the outcome.
“We played with a different style in the first game, with two wingers changing positions in the front line,” Kalou explained.
“So I think if we need to play that way, we need more time, more adaptation.”
The match eventually ended 1-1 as predicted. Manchester United’s Amad Diallo converted Ghislain Sangare’s beautiful cross with a long range strike to put Cote d’Voire ahead.
However, five minutes later, an own goal from Cote d’Voire’s Ghislain Konan leveled the scoreline, ending the game 1-1 at fulltime.
Amad Diallo was awarded the Man of the Match, having scored two goals in the AFCON2025 tournament.
