Nigeria Chase AFCON Redemption After World Cup Disappointment

Nigeria’s national team is entering the next Africa Cup of Nations with motivation shaped by frustration. After failing to qualify for the World Cup for the second time in a row, the Super Eagles are looking to Morocco as the place to reclaim pride and prove their potential on the continental stage. The team’s recent World Cup qualifying campaign ended earlier than expected, and the disappointment has added urgency to their AFCON ambitions.

Victor Osimhen, one of the most recognised faces in African football, delivered standout performances during the play-offs. Nigeria crushed Gabon 4-1 in the semi-final, with Osimhen scoring twice to keep hopes alive. Yet the final step slipped through their fingers as they were eliminated on penalties by the Democratic Republic of Congo. The setback deepened the emotional toll on the squad, prompting strong reactions from both players and coaching staff.

Head coach Eric Chelle explained the mood within the team, saying: “Our players are suffering and we must find a cure. Instead of hurting, we must hurt our opponents.” Osimhen echoed the raw emotion many Nigerians feel. “Nigerians keep telling us we are a golden generation. But we have now failed twice in succession to qualify for the World Cup. If we are that good how come we keep failing? Now we have to return to Morocco and win the Cup of Nations.”

He highlighted the impressive depth of talent in the squad and the need to convert that promise into meaningful success. “Our squad is packed with great Nigerians playing for some of the best clubs in Europe. The time has come to translate that greatness into trophies.”

What challenges lie ahead for Nigeria at AFCON?

Nigeria will compete in Group C alongside Tunisia, Tanzania and Uganda. As top seeds, they will play all group-stage matches in the northern city of Fes, a small but valuable advantage for consistency and preparation. On paper, Nigeria and Tunisia stand out as the two strongest teams in the group. Their December 27 meeting is expected to be the key fixture in determining first place.

The history between the two former champions adds weight to the clash. They have met six times before in the tournament. Nigeria have won three, lost one and drawn two. Chelle acknowledged Tunisia’s growing confidence, noting their recent performance against Brazil. “Tunisia have had an excellent year,” he said. Their coach, Samy Trabelsi, offered respect while remaining ambitious, calling Nigeria a “continental powerhouse with a vast pool of talent playing for top European clubs”. Still, he added that “anything is possible at an AFCON. If we set our minds to it, we can achieve a lot. My target is at least a semi-finals place.”

Uganda and Tanzania will also test Nigeria in different ways. Uganda have shown growth under Belgian coach Paul Put. Tanzania recently brought in Argentine Miguel Gamondi and secured the return of captain Mbwana Samatta after his strong form at Le Havre. Both nations hope to cause surprises against stronger opponents.

Chelle is aware of the expectations placed on Nigeria, and he feels the weight of the nation behind every decision. “My squad and I are under enormous pressure because there are about 230 million Nigerians which means 230 million national coaches,” he said. He has stepped back from social media to focus on strategy and unity within the team.

Can Nigeria’s star-studded attack deliver the trophy?

One of Chelle’s biggest challenges will be selecting his forward line. The options available are impressive. Beyond Osimhen and current African Player of the Year Ademola Lookman, the squad includes Victor Boniface, Samuel Chukwueze, Tolu Arokodare, Moses Simon, Adams Akor and Chidera Ejuke. The mix of experience and rising talent gives Nigeria one of the strongest attacking units in the competition.

Chelle has experience managing high-pressure tournaments. During the 2024 AFCON, he guided Mali to the quarter-finals, where they were knocked out after conceding late goals. The lessons from that campaign will shape his approach in Morocco, where every detail will matter.

As Nigeria push toward AFCON with determination, the voices within the camp reflect both pain and hope. Tunisia enter with renewed confidence after an outstanding World Cup qualifying run that included nine wins, one draw and 10 clean sheets. Uganda return to the continental stage after missing two editions. Tanzania hope their late coaching changes will spark momentum.

Nigeria’s goal is simple and ambitious: regain pride by lifting the trophy next year. After years of near misses and rising expectations, the Super Eagles see Morocco as the tournament that must redefine them. The disappointment of missing another World Cup fuels their resolve and strengthens the belief that this squad has something to prove.

By Yockshard Enyendi