Pressure is mounting on the Super Eagles of Nigeria to clinch the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), as fans are eager for silverware to prove a point at the tournament scheduled for December 21, 2025 to January 18, 2026 in Morocco.
Nigeria is blessed with talented players who are excelling internationally and playing key roles for their respective clubs.
The team will be determined to redeem itself after losing to hosts Ivory Coast in the 2023 AFCON. Nigeria has been drawn in Group C alongside Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania.
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This article highlights four reasons why it is crucial for Nigeria to win the 2025 AFCON:
Atone for the 2026 World Cup Fiasco
Despite having a star‑studded squad, Nigeria failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup following a series of lacklustre performances.
The team finished second in their qualifying group behind South Africa, who secured the automatic ticket.
In the playoffs, Victor Osimhen’s brilliance helped Nigeria beat Gabon, but they stumbled against the Democratic Republic of Congo, losing on penalties.
Winning the AFCON would help atone for the disappointment and appease frustrated fans.
Level up with Ghana on Trophies
The Super Eagles trail Ghana by one AFCON title, weakening their bragging rights in the long‑standing rivalry.
Nigeria won the tournament in 1980, 1994, and most recently in 2013.
The Black Stars, on the other hand, won their titles in 1963, 1965, 1978, and 1982, and have gone over 40 years without another.
A 2025 AFCON triumph would bring Nigeria level with their fierce rivals.
Generational Legacy
Nigeria’s current squad is packed with top‑class players who shine for their clubs but sometimes struggle to replicate that form for the national team.
Victor Osimhen of Galatasaray won the 2023 African Footballer of the Year and is regarded as one of the world’s top strikers.
In 2024, Ademola Lookman of Atalanta won the African Footballer of the Year for his outstanding performances for club and country.
Other key players such as Wilfred Ndidi, Calvin Bassey, Samuel Chukwueze, and veteran goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali will also be eager to win the AFCON to cement their legacy.
Redeem the NFF
The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) has faced heavy criticisms due to the Super Eagles’ failure to win a major trophy in recent years.
Following the team’s inability to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, some fans launched online campaigns calling for the current NFF administration to resign and allow new leadership to take over.
Winning the AFCON would provide huge relief for the NFF and ease the pressure amid growing public dissatisfaction.
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