Ahead of the crucial opening match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, a former Nigerian international has delivered a powerful rallying cry to the current squad. Godfrey Oboabona, a veteran of the national team, has emphasized the need for a final-match mentality from the very first whistle.
Oboabona's Blueprint for AFCON Success
The Super Eagles of Nigeria are set to begin their quest for a fourth continental title on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, with a Group C opener against Tanzania. Drawn alongside Tunisia and Uganda, the path to glory is fraught with challenges. Oboabona, the 35-year-old former Shooting Stars and national team defender, believes the key lies in the team's mindset.
Speaking via Footy Stars, Oboabona stated that while Nigeria is perennially among the favourites, the tournament features other formidable contenders. He specifically named Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, Cape Verde, and Gabon as strong teams capable of winning the title. His advice was clear: "Nigeria must earn it through hard work."
"The Super Eagles must believe in themselves and approach every match without fear," Oboabona said. "A strong winning mentality within the group is essential—sometimes you have to dream first and truly believe it’s achievable." He also highlighted the non-negotiable need for squad unity, recalling that a family-like spirit was instrumental to the success of his generation.
Coach Eric Chelle's Continental Ambition
The man tasked with turning this advice into on-pitch results is head coach Eric Chelle. Appointed in January 2025, the Franco-Malian manager has been explicitly directed to lead the team to the final of the continental showpiece in Morocco.
Chelle, who previously coached Mali at AFCON 2023, admits that winning the tournament is the sole objective for his team. "Of course, we want to win it. Personally, I want to win the AFCON," he told CAF. He views the intense pressure the team has faced since March as a preparatory tool for the tournament environment.
"When we set foot in Morocco, that pressure will be familiar. We’ll be ready mentally and in our collective mindset," Chelle asserted. He identified the team's resilience as a key weapon, stating that the players' experience of suffering and finding a way through difficult moments "can really hurt opponents."
The Road Ahead in Morocco
The 2025 AFCON kicks off on Sunday night with host nation Morocco facing Comoros. For Nigeria, the journey starts against Tanzania, a match seen as critical for building momentum in a competitive group.
Adding to the pre-tournament atmosphere, star striker Victor Osimhen has sent a separate message to the Nigerian fans travelling to Morocco, urging their support and confirming his focus. The collective sentiment from the camp and its legends is one of determined ambition, tempered with respect for the stiff competition that awaits.
As the nation holds its breath, the message from the past to the present is unified: dream big, stay united, and fight for every minute as if it were the last.
