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The Africa Cup of Nations is one of the major football tournaments where hidden talents have the opportunity to emerge, transforming the course of their careers. Not only has it showcased some of the best African talent, the biennial tournament has also served as a springboard for some of Africa’s most promising talents to showcase their skills and make the jump to the next level.  

In this article, we’ll briefly analyze some of Africa’s greatest exports who earned big moves on the back of a successful tournament, and profile 5 players whose careers could be catapulted at next year’s tournament in Cote d’Ivoire.  

 

**Players who made their big break at AFCON tournaments** 

No better place to start than Nigeria, with Super Eagles legend **Julius Aghahowa’s** emergence taking pride of place. The somersaulting goal-machine was the breakout star of the 2000 AFCON co-hosted by Nigeria and Ghana. **Aghahowa** , then only 17 years old, scored in the group stage against Morocco, before coming off the bench to net twice against Senegal in the quarter final. Despite Nigeria’s eventual defeat in the final to Cameroon, Aghahowa earned himself a lucrative move to Ukrainian giants Shakhtar Donetsk. 

**Christian Bassogog** is another player who earned himself a big move and a massive payday after a fine showing at the African Cup Of Nations tournament. Little was known about the Cameroon forward until he broke out at AFCON 2017, winning Best Player of the Tournament during Cameroon’s title run. The powerful striker had left Rainbow FC in Cameroon for Danish side Aab but struggled to make an impact until he exploded with his country at AFCON. His performances at the tournament earned him a move to Chinese side Henan Jianye in a club record £5 million transfer. 

Nigeria’s **Sunday Mba** also earned a big-money move due to a stellar AFCON performance. Mba was selected for the tournament by late Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi despite playing in the local league with Warri Wolves. The midfielder repaid the faith by scoring against Ivory Coast in the quarter-final and Burkina Faso in the final as the Super Eagles claimed the trophy, earning himself a lucrative €1 million move to French side CA Bastia. 

What this means? Yes, more established stars like Mohamed Salah, Victor Osimhen and Sadio Mane are expected to dominate January’s tournament. However, there’s always a chance for diamonds in the rough to shine through. In this post, we examine some of the most promising talents at AFCON 2024. 

 

**5 players to keep an eye on at AFCON 2024** 

With Africa’s landmark football competition just weeks away, here are 5 of the continent’s rising stars who have shown the potential to explode and take their careers to the next level. 

 

**Junior Tchamadeu - Winger (Cameroon)** 

The 19-year-old Stoke City winger has forced his way into the Cameroon national team on the back of some fine performances for his club Stoke City. He was named EFL young player of the month for January 2023 with former club Colchester, before joining Stoke in the summer for an undisclosed fee.  

A left-footed winger, Tchamadeu possesses great speed and agility, enabling him to beat his man on the dribble with pace and skill. He was called up to the Cameroon team in November by Rigobert Song and started both games against Mauritius and Libya. 

Can Tchamadeu help the indomitable Lions to a fine showing at AFCON? BetKing has the best odds for you. 

● Bet on Tchamadeu to help Cameroon reach the AFCON final @5.00 

**Oumar Diakite - Striker (Ivory Coast)** 

The 20-year-old Reims striker is another to watch out for at AFCON 2024. Diakite impressed with Austrian side Lifering last season, scoring 9 goals in 25 games to earn a move to French Ligue 1 side Reims.  

The imposing centre-forward has failed to set the Ligue 1 alight with his performances, scoring just 2 goals in 15 appearances for Reims this season. However, he will offer an excellent alternative to first choice striker Sebastien Haller.  

The Ivorians will need strength in depth as they look to win the tournament on home soil and if he can provide that, Europe’s top clubs will be watching.  

Take advantage of our professional betting tips by backing the hosts Ivory Coast win their first AFCON since 2015. 

● Bet on Oumar Diakite to contribute to an Ivory Coast AFCON win 

**Fares Chaibi - Midfielder (Algeria)** 

Algeria are one of the favourites for AFCON and they have a gem in 21-year-old attacking midfielder Fares Chaibi. The Eintracht Frankfurt playmaker has become an almost guaranteed starter in the #10 position for Algeria, just behind target-man Islam Slimani in a fluid 4-2-3-1.  

He can also play on either wing, highlighting his versatility and has made 15 appearances for the Bundesliga side this season, providing 2 assists. With the likes of Riyad Mahrez and Sofiane Feghouli attracting plenty of defensive attention on both wings, he should get enough space to do some damage down the middle. 

Can Chaibi contribute to a strong showing in Cote d’Ivoire for the 2019 winners? BetKing’s high odds on the Algerians offers plenty of value for money. 

● Bet on Fares Chaibi to help Algeria to the AFCON final 

**Bruno Onyemaechi - Defender (Nigeria)** 

24-year-old Bruno Onyemaechi has emerged as Nigeria’s latest talent at left-back, following a long list of stars like Celestine Babayaro, Ifeanyi Udeze and Taiye Taiwo. The Boavista man was impressive on his Nigerian debut, a 6-0 win over Sao Tome and Principe in the Nations Cup qualifier. Since his debut for the Super Eagles, he has played in every single game and is expected to start as first choice ahead of Jamilu Collins in Cote d’Ivoire.  

Nigeria must head to the tournament believing they can return as champions, and a solid defence is key to achieving that. Onyemaechi provides the perfect balance between defence and attack and will be relied upon to combine with Ademola Lookman effectively on the left wing. Onyemaechi has been ever-present for Boavista this season, contributing 1 assist in 14 appearances across all competitions, and a fine showing at AFCON could open the door to a big move in the summer. 

Our bet of the day is Nigeria to finish top of Group A with Onyemaechi playing a big part in that. 

● Bet on Nigeria to finish top of Group A at AFCON 2024 

**Gift Orban - Striker (Nigeria)** 

Orban is already gaining massive popularity, but his status could really change with a strong showing at AFCON.  

The 21-year-old Nigerian sensation is poised for great things if he continues on his current trajectory. After scoring 50 goals in 66 games since the start of 2022, we are speaking about one of the most lethal finishers in the modern game. Orban has been absolutely electric since moving to Gent and a big move will certainly happen if his excellent form continues.  

The young striker is expected to be on the plane with the Super Eagles to Cote d’Ivoire and he will offer an exciting alternative to the first-choice duo of Napoli’s Victor Osimhen and Bayer Leverkusen’s Victor Boniface. 

Nigeria has by far the best offensive weapons in all of Africa, and Orban has a chance to make a name for himself by forcing his way into the team at AFCON.  

He will get his chance and he is more than capable of making a mark and earning that inevitable big money move. 

Goals win you games and our bet prediction is for Orban to provide the firepower, alongside Osimhen to help the Super Eagles go all the way. 

● Bet on Nigeria to win AFCON 2024 

What do you think about this list? Would you have the players in a different order, or do you think we’ve left out someone? 

Let us know in the comments and remember to visit the BetKing blog for unlimited access to the best betting tips backed by the best odds and betting offers in Nigeria. 

[Sign up today](https://m.betking.com/account/registration) and start winning. 

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AFCON 2024: 5 Rising Stars Poised To Dominate Africa & Capture The Global Spotlight

● Bet on Tchamadeu to help Cameroon reach the AFCON final @5.00

● Bet on Oumar Diakite to contribute to an Ivory Coast AFCON win

● Bet on Fares Chaibi to help Algeria to the AFCON final

● Bet on Nigeria to finish top of Group A at AFCON 2024

● Bet on Nigeria to win AFCON 2024