Legendary football manager Jose Mourinho has delivered a powerful message to the Nigeria national team, outlining the crucial ingredient needed for the Super Eagles to clinch the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title in Morocco.
Mourinho's Blueprint for AFCON Glory
The former Chelsea and Real Madrid coach, known for his tactical acumen, believes Nigeria possesses all the raw materials for success but must perfect one key aspect. "AFCON is simple to win, the team that suffers together will lift the trophy," Mourinho stated, offering a succinct yet profound analysis of tournament football.
He elaborated that while the Nigerian squad is brimming with individual talent, speed, and flair, the ultimate challenge is psychological. "Nigeria have too much talents, speed, flair, confidence, but the question is always the mentality. If Nigeria stay focused and united, nobody wants to face them," Mourinho emphasized. His comments highlight that for the Super Eagles, the battle is as much about collective spirit as it is about footballing skill.
Osimhen Echoes Call for Focus and Resilience
Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has reinforced a similar message of unity and forward-thinking. The 26-year-old Galatasaray forward, who experienced the heartbreak of losing the 2023 final to Ivory Coast and the penalty shootout defeat to DR Congo in the 2026 World Cup playoff, insists the team must learn from the past without being anchored by it.
"I think the penalty is a game of luck. Life has happened, we just have to keep it moving," Osimhen told BBC Sport Africa, reflecting on the recent disappointments. He expressed gratitude to the loyal fanbase and framed the upcoming tournament as a prime opportunity for redemption. "The AFCON is an opportunity for us to win our fans over [and] make sure we actualise our dreams of winning [the tournament]," he added.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has set a clear mandate for head coach Eric Chelle: win the competition. This pressure comes after the team's failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, making AFCON 2025 a critical mission to restore pride and joy to Nigerian supporters.
Super Eagles Start Campaign with Vital Win
Nigeria's journey in AFCON 2025 began on a positive note with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Tanzania in their Group C opener on Tuesday, December 23, in Fes, Morocco. Semi Ajayi put the Super Eagles ahead, but Charles M'Mombwa equalized for the Taifa Stars. The response was immediate, with Ademola Lookman scoring just two minutes later to secure all three points for Eric Chelle's side.
This winning start sets a constructive tone as Nigeria prepares for its next crucial fixture against Tunisia on Saturday, December 27. A positive result in this match would significantly boost Nigeria's chances of progressing smoothly from the group stage.
Adding to the optimism, former Nigerian international Godfrey Oboabona has backed the team to overcome Tunisia. The Sunshine Stars legend stressed that success will come from playing as a cohesive unit rather than relying on individual moments of brilliance, a sentiment that aligns perfectly with Mourinho's diagnosis.
As the tournament unfolds, the Super Eagles will be looking to harness their undeniable talent with the unity and resilient mentality prescribed by one of football's greatest minds, aiming to lift their fourth AFCON trophy and bring glory to the nation.
