A former Nigerian international has delivered vital counsel to the national team as they prepare for a pivotal Africa Cup of Nations encounter against Tunisia. The advice centers on collective effort being the key to victory.
Obaobona's Blueprint for Victory
Godfrey Obaobona, a member of Nigeria's triumphant 2013 AFCON squad, has emphasized that the Super Eagles must function as a cohesive unit to defeat the Carthage Eagles. The Sunshine Stars legend warned against over-reliance on individual talent, stating that modern football demands total commitment from every player on the pitch.
The former Caykur Rizespor defender highlighted that while Nigeria boasts quality across all departments—attack, midfield, and defense—success hinges on teamwork. He used a stark analogy, noting that if any player acts like they are Lionel Messi without putting in the work, the entire team will suffer. Obaobona firmly believes that a united team approach will carry Nigeria deep into the tournament hosted in Morocco.
The Midfield's Role in Feeding Osimhen
A specific tactical point raised by Obaobona involves servicing star striker Victor Osimhen. The Galatasaray forward, formerly of Napoli, was kept off the scoresheet in Nigeria's opening 2-1 win over Tanzania, with goals coming from Semi Ajayi and Ademola Lookman.
Obaobona stressed that having a world-class striker like Osimhen is irrelevant if the midfield fails to supply him with the ball. He connected this to the need for defensive solidity, explaining that if defenders are not protecting the midfielders, the supply line to the forwards will be cut off. This interplay between defense, midfield, and attack is central to his philosophy for the must-win clash.
Confidence from the Camp and Media
The Super Eagles began their AFCON 2025 campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Tanzania. Conversely, their next opponents, Tunisia, secured a convincing 3-1 win against Uganda, powered by a brace from Elias Achouri and a goal from Ellyes Skhiri.
Despite Tunisia's strong start, confidence remains high in the Nigerian camp. Veteran sports journalist Hameed Adio expressed strong belief in the current squad, telling Legit.ng that he is extremely confident in the players' ability to overpower Tunisia and top their group. Adio pointed to the world-class talent within the team as the foundation for this optimism.
Head coach Eric Chelle, the Franco-Malian manager, has set a clear target for the team: to conquer the continent. This ambition comes with added pressure following Nigeria's failure to qualify for the last FIFA World Cup, making a strong AFCON performance paramount.
The crucial Group match is scheduled for Saturday, December 27, at the Complexe Sportif de Fes stadium. A victory would put Nigeria in a commanding position to advance and pursue a fourth AFCON title, their first in twelve years.
