Former Nigeria international Ogenyi Onazi has issued a crucial warning to Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle ahead of the team's opening match at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
Onazi's Caution Ahead of Crucial Group C Opener
The Super Eagles legend specifically highlighted the threat posed by the Taifa Stars of Tanzania, whom Nigeria faces later today, December 23, in the city of Fes. Onazi, a member of Nigeria's 2013 AFCON-winning squad, stressed that the East African side is fully capable of frustrating the three-time champions and forcing them into making costly mistakes during the encounter.
The 32-year-old former Lazio midfielder urged the Nigerian players not to take their opponents lightly. He emphasized the importance of securing all three points from the first match, stating that a strong start is vital for any tournament campaign. Onazi pointed to the opening match of the tournament, where hosts Morocco were given a tough time by Comoros on Sunday, December 21, as a clear example that there are no easy games in modern African football.
"No Easy Games Anymore" - Onazi's Direct Message
In his advice, relayed via Footy Africa, Onazi drew from personal experience with the national team. "With the level of football on the continent, there are no easy games in the Africa Cup of Nations any longer and experience should tell us that," he stated.
"During our time, we lost games to supposedly lowly opponents like Madagascar a few years ago in Egypt, which we were not happy with. I can assure you that the Taifa Stars of Tanzania will make life difficult for the Super Eagles, just like Comoros did to the host nation Morocco in their opening game on Sunday," Onazi added.
He further analyzed that despite Comoros eventually losing, their determined performance, especially in the first half, serves as a template for what Nigeria should expect. His direct message to Coach Eric Chelle was clear: the players must be prepared to give more than 100% to overcome a Tanzanian team that will look to frustrate them and exploit opportunities on the counter-attack.
Confidence in Super Eagles' AFCON Title Bid
Despite the stern warning, the former El Kanemi Warriors star expressed strong belief in the current Nigerian squad's ability to not only navigate past Tanzania but to ultimately win the tournament. He highlighted that a victory in the opening match would provide a significant confidence boost ahead of the team's second Group C fixture against Tunisia, whom he identified as the main threat in the group.
"Nigeria have to win their first match because it is very important to do so in every tournament. Securing the three points will be a nice way to start the AFCON and gain more confidence ahead of their next match against the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia," Onazi explained.
He concluded with a note of optimism, saying, "I strongly believe we will defeat Tanzania, but the boys have to be ready for it." His comments come as Tanzania's coach, Miguel Gamondi, has also stated that his team has specific plans to neutralize Nigeria's star striker Victor Osimhen and that beating the Super Eagles would be like winning the AFCON for them.
The stage is set for a tense and tactical battle as the Super Eagles begin their quest for a fourth continental title under the guidance of Coach Eric Chelle, with the wise counsel of legends like Ogenyi Onazi echoing in the background.
