William Ekong, Stanley Nwabali of Nigeria during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations AFCON qualifier match between Nigeria and Benin Republic at Godwill Akpabio Stadium on September 7, 2024 in Uyo, Nigeria. [Photo credit/ Imago]
Former Nigeria international and ex-Everton captain Joseph Yobo has has expressed confidence in the Super Eagles’ ability to reclaim Africa’s top football prize at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, Soccernet.ng reports.
Yobo, who led Nigeria to their last AFCON triumph in 2013, believes the team has the quality and leadership to go all the way.
The Super Eagles, three-time AFCON winners (1980, 1994, and 2013), are aiming to bounce back after narrowly losing the 2023 final 2-1 to Côte d’Ivoire.
Now led by head coach Eric Chelle, the team faces a renewed challenge following Monday’s draw in Rabat, where Yobo played a prominent role as a guest and draw assistant.
Nigeria have been placed in Group C alongside Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania.
The Super Eagles have never lost a competitive fixture against Tanzania, while they boast a decent AFCON record against Uganda and Tunisia.
Despite the Super Eagles’ solid record against these opponents, Yobo cautioned that the road to success will be demanding.
“Looking at the group, it’s never going to be easy for us, but knowing the Super Eagles, coming out of the group is never a problem,” Yobo told Cafonline.
Nigeria boast an impressive AFCON record, having reached the knockout stages in 18 of their 20 appearances. The last time they failed to progress beyond the group stage was 1982.
Yobo, who is Nigeria’s most capped defender in history, highlighted the importance of Nigeria building on their runner-up finish in 2023.
“I hope that we start very well and take that momentum to the final. It’s about time we get our hands on the trophy again. I think we have the players and a wonderful new coach to make that happen,” said the former defender, who captained Nigeria to their last AFCON triumph in 2013.
The group’s toughest test will likely come from Tunisia, who eliminated Nigeria in the 2021 Round of 16. Uganda and Tanzania, meanwhile, are considered underdogs but are determined to leave their mark.
Yobo emphasised the need for consistency and focus, adding,
“We do have a very good team. It’s all about carrying that energy from the group stages and keeping the momentum.”
Nigeria have been one of the most successful nations in AFCON history. In 20 appearances, the Super Eagles have collected 16 medals, including three titles, five runners-up finishes, and eight bronze medals.
This post was last modified on January 28, 2025 7:17 pm
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