Sports
AFCON 2025: Super Eagles torn between reality and redemption
Few tournaments test a nation’s footballing soul like the Africa Cup of Nations. It is never just about tactics, form or star power; it is about identity, belief, pressure and timing. As the Super Eagles of Nigeria head to Morocco for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, they do so burdened by recent disappointments, energised by undeniable talent and haunted by familiar administrative questions in search of their fourth continental title, writes TUNDE LIADI
The Super Eagles’ journey to Morocco is unlike most in Nigeria’s AFCON history. Traditionally, Nigeria travel as loud favourites or confident challengers. This time, expectations are unusually muted. Back-to-back failures to qualify for the FIFA World Cup have bruised national pride, while administrative controversies and insufficient preparation have dampened optimism.
Yet, Nigeria remain Africa’s most naturally gifted football nation. Three AFCON titles (1980, 1994, 2013), seven final appearances, and a conveyor belt of elite footballers ensure the Super Eagles are never far from the conversation. AFCON 2025 is therefore not just another tournament — it is an attempt to reset Nigeria’s football narrative.
Former captain John Obi Mikel did not mince words when assessing Nigeria’s build-up. Calling the situation “unacceptable” and “embarrassing,” Mikel’s criticism cuts to the heart of Nigeria’s recurring problem — governance.
His frustration over reports of unpaid salaries owed to head coach Eric Chelle reflects a deeper issue: instability off the pitch often spills onto it. For Mikel, AFCON should have been an opportunity for the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to rebuild trust after recent failures. Instead, he fears history is repeating itself.
“When issues like this are in the public space, it affects everyone — the coach, the players, and even the fans,” Mikel warned. Still, he remained emphatic that the players must rise above the chaos. His message is both indictment and rallying cry: Nigeria deserve better, but the shirt still demands sacrifice.
If Mikel addressed administration, Sunday Oliseh tackled psychology. His verdict was blunt: Africa no longer fears Nigeria.
Failure to qualify for the World Cup, Oliseh argues, has emboldened opponents. The Super Eagles are no longer the intimidating force of old; they are now a scalp teams believe they can claim. At AFCON, that perception matters. Every group opponent will raise their level against Nigeria.
Yet Oliseh also sees opportunity. A strong start, particularly in the opening group game against the Taifa Stars of Tanzania, could flip the narrative instantly. Discipline, tactical clarity and mental sharpness — not reputation — will decide Nigeria’s fate.
According to Opta’s supercomputer, Nigeria are ranked fifth favourites with a 7.3 per cent chance of winning AFCON 2025. Morocco (19.1%), Egypt, Senegal and Algeria all sit above them.
The data reflects both respect and doubt. Opta acknowledged Nigeria’s explosive attack, led by Victor Osimhen, but flags defensive absences, a demanding group and uncertainty under a new coach as complicating factors.
History supports the caution. AFCON is notoriously unpredictable. Favourites stumble, outsiders rise, and momentum often outweighs pedigree. Nigeria know this better than most.
Beyond probabilities, Nigeria arrive in Morocco with powerful motivations.
At AFCON 2023 in Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria came within touching distance of glory, only to fall in the final to the hosts. That campaign, steady rather than spectacular, proved the Super Eagles could still navigate tournament football effectively. Under Eric Chelle, there is belief that extra step can now be taken.
Missing the 2026 World Cup — potentially for the second consecutive time — is a scar that will not fade easily. An AFCON triumph cannot erase that pain, but it can soften it. Victory in Morocco would restore pride and belief in Nigerian football.
This is arguably Nigeria’s most gifted generation since the mid-1990s. Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, two of Africa’s recent Footballers of the Year, headline a squad in its prime, averaging just over 27 years of age. Opportunities like this do not linger forever.
Another AFCON title would draw Nigeria level with Ghana on four continental crowns, adding fresh fuel to one of Africa’s fiercest rivalries and reinforcing Nigeria’s standing among the continent’s elite.
Nigeria’s group — Tunisia, Uganda and Tanzania — is deceptively tricky.
Tunisia bring organisation and tournament nous. Uganda and Tanzania arrive fearless, aware that Nigeria’s aura has dimmed. Oliseh’s warning resonates here: no game will be straightforward.
Meanwhile, Eric Chelle’s squad selection underlines a quiet rebuild. Five new players — youthful, hungry, largely untested — signal a long-term vision, even if AFCON is a brutal place for experiments.
The inclusion of players like Ryan Alebiosu, Salim Fago Lawal, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro and Tochukwu Nnadi injects energy and freshness. Akinsanmiro’s personal story — from quitting football to learning barbing before earning an Inter Milan move — captures the hunger Chelle appears to value.
Yet questions remain. The absence of Maduka Okoye, injury concerns around Stanley Nwabali, and lingering distrust of Francis Uzoho leave uncertainty in goal. William Troost-Ekong’s retirement and Ola Aina’s absence further thin leadership at the back.
Chelle’s message, however, is clear: productivity earns selection. Paul Onuachu’s resurgence in Turkey and Akor Adams’ efficiency underline a merit-based approach.
Perhaps Nigeria’s greatest advantage is psychological. Rarely have expectations been this low. Fans speak more of quarterfinal exits than silverware. That underdog status could free the Super Eagles from suffocating pressure — or expose lingering fragility.
Former goalkeeper Chigozie Agbim believes unity is key. Drawing from the 2013 triumph, he insists that talent and experience are present, but support and belief must follow.
“A friendly game is always a friendly game,” Agbim said after the loss to Egypt. “At AFCON, the real mentality will come into play.”
Players echoed that sentiment. Paul Onuachu and Chidozie Awaziem both highlighted tactical progress and dominance despite defeat. These are small signs, but in tournament football, small signs matter.
Victor Ikpeba perhaps summarised Nigeria’s AFCON reality best. “The biggest threat to winning AFCON is ourselves,” he said.
He rates Nigeria among the favourites alongside Morocco, Senegal and Cameroon, but warns that pressure, expectation and internal instability have undone Nigeria before. AFCON is unforgiving; only focus survives.
Ikpeba’s belief that Egypt and Algeria may fall short underscores AFCON’s unpredictability. Talent must align with mentality.
Morocco 2025: Super Eagles schedule
Dec 23- Nigeria vs. Tanzania: A must-win opener to set the tone for a strong start
Dec 27-Nigeria vs. Tunisia: A repeat of the 16th Round clash in 2021 and result could be the group’s decider.
Dec 30: Uganda vs. Nigeria: Potential banana skin if qualification is not already secured.
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