Super Eagles captain, Wilfred Ndidi, has issued a stern warning to his teammates against complacency as they prepare for their final Group C match against Uganda at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 in Morocco. The midfielder emphasized that only a win or a draw this evening will secure Nigeria's preferred knockout stage venue.
Ndidi's Focus on Topping the Group
Speaking after a training session on Monday, December 30, 2024, the Besiktas star made it clear that the team's job is far from finished despite their strong performances. Ndidi, who scored in the 2-0 victory over Tunisia on Saturday, stated that the squad is fully focused on finishing first in the group to earn the right to play their round of 16 match at the Complexe Sportif de Fes.
"We cannot be carried away, because we still have to win to be first in the group," Ndidi cautioned. "So, we have to stay focused on what we want to achieve. The most important thing is to win all our matches." He added that the team aims to give Nigerian fans a perfect New Year's present with a victory on Tuesday evening.
Onyeka Allays Injury Fears, Uganda Coach Vows Fight
In a related development, Brentford midfielder Frank Onyeka moved to dispel concerns about his fitness. Onyeka, who was seen limping off the pitch during the Tunisia match, clarified that he only suffered a minor issue. "I just had a little twist in the game against Tunisia, but it is okay," he assured. He promised that the team would maintain its intensity against the Cranes of Uganda.
However, the Nigerian team faces a motivated Ugandan side. Their coach, Paul Put, has vowed to orchestrate an upset to keep his team's knockout stage hopes alive. Uganda lost their opener 1-3 to Tunisia and drew with Tanzania, making this a must-win encounter for them. "We are prepared for tomorrow's match against Nigeria," Put stated confidently. "We have the players who can do it for Uganda. A win can give us a ticket to the knockout stage. Victory is possible for us."
High Spirits in Fes as Eagles Target AFCON Title
Ndidi also commented on the team's positive experience in the host city of Fes, crediting the local support for boosting the squad's morale. "The people in Fes are giving us high spirits, and they are really nice to us. It's been really, really exciting being here," he said. The captain expressed the team's collective desire to extend their stay by continuing to win matches.
Reiterating the squad's ultimate ambition, Ndidi concluded, "Our aim is to give Nigerians a happy New Year present by winning on Tuesday. We want to win this AFCON title." The stage is now set for a crucial clash as the Super Eagles look to secure top spot and move one step closer to their championship goal.
