The Super Eagles of Nigeria have received a significant endorsement in their quest for a fourth Africa Cup of Nations title, with a legendary figure from Moroccan football declaring them strong favourites to lift the trophy.
El Haddaoui's Vote of Confidence for Nigeria
Following an impeccable group-stage performance at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, the Nigerian team has captured the attention of the continent. Mustapha El Haddaoui, a Moroccan football great who played in two FIFA World Cups, has publicly backed Eric Chelle's side to go all the way and win the tournament.
In an exclusive interview with CAFonline.com, El Haddaoui placed Nigeria among the elite contenders, stating that the champion will likely come from one of Africa's traditional powerhouses. He emphasized the importance of experienced coaching and high-quality players, elements he sees in the current Super Eagles squad.
Analyzing Nigeria's Flawless Group C Campaign
The basis for this strong belief is Nigeria's dominant display in Group C. The Super Eagles secured a perfect record, winning all three of their matches to finish with the maximum nine points.
Their campaign began with a 2-1 victory over Tanzania, followed by a tense 3-2 win against Tunisia. They sealed top spot convincingly with a 3-1 triumph over Uganda. This consistency and attacking prowess have sent a clear message to other title hopefuls.
El Haddaoui specifically praised the early performances of teams like Nigeria, Algeria, Senegal, and Egypt, noting they have set a high standard for the knockout stages. He believes Nigeria's experience and winning mentality will be crucial assets as the competition intensifies.
Knockout Stage Challenge Awaits
The immediate focus for the three-time African champions now shifts to the Round of 16, where they are scheduled to face Mozambique. While the Super Eagles are expected to be favourites, history has shown that the AFCON knockout phase is ripe for surprises.
The Moroccan legend cautioned that the real tournament begins now, where margins for error are virtually non-existent. However, the blend of tactical discipline shown under Coach Chelle and the individual quality within the Nigerian squad makes them a formidable opponent for any team.
This external vote of confidence from a respected figure like El Haddaoui adds to the growing belief, both within the Nigerian camp and among fans across Africa, that this team has the necessary ingredients to reclaim the AFCON title they last won in 2013.
In a related development, the Super Eagles' campaign has faced a setback with striker Cyriel Dessers ruled out of the tournament due to a thigh injury. The Panathinaikos forward has left the team's camp in Morocco to return to his club for recovery.
