Three-time African champions, Super Eagles are one of only three teams to have secured passage to the knockout round of the 35th edition of the continental showpiece
Former Nigeria international Kenneth Omeruo has warned that the Super Eagles’ hopes of winning a fourth Africa Cup of Nations title could be undermined by defensive frailties, despite their perfect start to the 2025 tournament, Soccernet.ng reports.
Nigeria have already secured qualification for the knockout stages and confirmed top spot in Group C after consecutive victories over Tanzania and Tunisia.
Yet Omeruo believes the concession of three goals in those two matches has exposed a worrying weakness that head coach Éric Chelle must urgently address.
The former African champions conceded once in their 2-1 opening win over Tanzania before letting in two late goals during a nervy 3-2 victory against Tunisia on Saturday night. It is a pattern that has drawn scrutiny from former Chelsea defender Omeruo despite the team’s attacking firepower.
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What did Omeruo say about the Super Eagles' defence?
Speaking during his post-match analysis on Afrosports, Omeruo delivered a clear assessment of the Super Eagles’ balance between brilliance and vulnerability.
“The defence is still porous, and it is important we stop conceding,” Omeruo said.
“It is something the coach must work on in subsequent games. The attack we know is solid but we can’t keep on conceding goals like we have done so far.”
Kenneth Josiah Omeruo Nigeria. Photo by IMAGO
Nigeria face Uganda at the Fez Stadium on Tuesday in their final Group C fixture, with the Cranes rooted to the bottom of the group on one point. While the match carries little consequence for Nigeria in terms of qualification, it offers Chelle an important opportunity to restore defensive control before the knockout rounds.
Nigeria have both scored and conceded in seven of their last eight matches, reinforcing concerns about game management and defensive concentration.
Statistically, the Super Eagles remain in strong form. They have won seven of their last 10 matches overall and boast an impressive AFCON group-stage record of seven wins from their last nine games (D1, L1). This run has ensured qualification for a 16th consecutive AFCON knockout stage.
Yet expectations remain higher.
Nigeria are still chasing their first AFCON title since 2013, and memories of last edition’s final defeat remain fresh. With the added disappointment of missing out on qualification for the 2026 World Cup, success at this tournament carries heightened emotional and symbolic importance.
Tuesday’s encounter with Uganda may lack jeopardy on paper, but it could prove decisive in shaping Nigeria’s defensive structure and confidence ahead of sterner tests to come.
