2025 AFCON: Why Super Eagles Must Not Be Distracted
By Saheed Afolabi (Live In Morocco)
The Nigeria national team is enjoying a strong run at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), recording four wins from four matches.
No doubt, the team has regained the trust of the fans after a dismal World Cup qualifying campaign, where the Super Eagles missed the Mundial for the second consecutive time after losing to DR Congo in the African playoffs final. That disappointment still hurts Nigerian fans.
The Nigerian team, led by Eric Chelle, has scored 12 goals and conceded four so far. All the goals conceded came in the group stage, while the only clean sheet was recorded in the Round of 16 against Mozambique in Fès.
Nigeria’s emphatic 4–0 victory over the Mambas is currently the biggest win at the AFCON, with an impressive conversion rate of 2.7 goals per game.
However, the on-field incident between Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman during the match against Mozambique though resolved should be nipped in the bud as the Eagles must now direct their full attention and focus towards winning the AFCON, which Nigeria last won in 2013 under the late Stephen Keshi.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has often been known for its nonchalant attitude towards players’ welfare during major tournaments. If unresolved, such issues could cause unrest and distraction, as seen during the African World Cup playoffs in Morocco, when players protested unpaid match bonuses and camp allowances before the situation was eventually addressed.
A similar scenario has emerged at this AFCON, with the Eagles reportedly demanding four unpaid match bonuses and allowances. This situation disrupted team activities, forcing the players to train on their own, led by captain Wilfred Ndidi, who promised his teammates that he would personally cover their entitlements if the NFF failed to honour its commitment. However, the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Finance, has assured that the players’ entitlements are currently going through the appropriate payment channels.
The NFF must change its abysmal approach by adopting positive and proactive measures in fulfilling promises made to players at the appropriate time. Doing so would strengthen team unity and foster the harmony needed to achieve positive results.
Despite the unresolved bonus issues, the Super Eagles held their first training session in Marrakech on Thursday, January 8, with all players present as they chase a semifinal place against Algeria.
