Super Eagles Reset: NFF Rallies Team For AFCON Redemption
By AUGUSTUS ISICHEI
WITH the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) just weeks away, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is moving quickly to rebuild the Super Eagles’ morale after their painful failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
A senior NFF official stated that the federation recognises the psychological impact of the World Cup miss and has launched a focused effort to re-energise the national team ahead of their AFCON campaign in Morocco.
“The players were deeply disappointed. AFCON is now their chance to redeem themselves and give Nigerians something to celebrate,” the source said.
NFF President Ibrahim Gusau has reportedly been in Europe meeting top players as the federation finalises its provisional AFCON squad, expected to be released later this week. Clubs and players have already received letters detailing the team’s preparation schedule.
To ensure proper conditioning, the NFF is weighing options for a pre-tournament camp in Morocco or elsewhere in North Africa before the team settles into its official base.
Group C Challenge Ahead
Nigeria will compete in Group C alongside Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania in the tournament scheduled from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026.
The Super Eagles open against Tanzania on 23 December in Fès, while Tunisia face Uganda in Rabat. Nigeria’s headline clash with Tunisia comes on 27 December, also in Fès.
The group stage wraps up on 31 December with Nigeria meeting Uganda and Tunisia facing Tanzania—both matches kicking off simultaneously.
With AFCON offering a chance at redemption, the NFF hopes renewed focus and improved preparations will spark a strong Super Eagles resurgence on the continental stage.
