Ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, three key players from the Nigerian national team have shared their confident blueprint for lifting the trophy in Morocco. Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, and Samuel Chukwueze believe a combination of maturity, experience, and team chemistry will propel the Super Eagles to their fourth continental title.
Chukwueze's Culinary Analogy for Success
On-loan Fulham and AC Milan winger, Samuel Chukwueze, described the upcoming tournament as profoundly significant for his career. The 26-year-old emphasized the joy and advantage of playing alongside clubmates Iwobi and Bassey at the international level. In a light-hearted yet pointed remark, Chukwueze joked that victory hinges on defender Calvin Bassey passing him the ball.
"This AFCON is very important for us because we have not won it," Chukwueze stated. He framed Nigeria's journey using a cooking metaphor: "For now, we have raw, I am making it a bit spicy, when we reach the final that is when it will be well done; and when we lift the trophy, that is when it is completed." His comments underscore a blend of focus and camaraderie within the squad.
Bassey Points to Maturity and Experience
Fulham defender Calvin Bassey pointed to the team's heartbreaking runner-up finish at the 2023 AFCON as a key motivator. Now 25, Bassey reflected on his personal and the team's growth since the last tournament, where he was just 23.
"I have matured and a lot of the team have matured and we have gained a lot of experience," Bassey explained. He highlighted the value of playing more competitive matches together, including the recent FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Bassey also noted the evolving leadership role of Alex Iwobi within the group, suggesting a more structured and experienced team is ready for the challenge.
Iwobi's Simple Formula: Win to Improve
Completing the Fulham trio in the Super Eagles setup, Alex Iwobi provided a straightforward equation for success. The midfielder, who will be appearing in his fourth AFCON tournament, aligned with Bassey's sentiment on growth.
"Basically, what he (Bassey) is trying to say is that anywhere you go, you always want to improve, so the only way we can improve is by winning it," Iwobi said. He emphasized a collective leadership approach, stating, "Hopefully, it's not about age; everyone is a leader on the team."
The Road Ahead in Morocco
The 35th edition of the AFCON is scheduled to take place from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, across nine cities in Morocco. Nigeria, having shifted focus entirely to the continental showpiece after failing to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, is drawn in Group C.
Their opponents are the Taifa Stars of Tanzania, the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia, and the Cranes of Uganda. According to ESPN, the Super Eagles will begin their quest for glory against Tanzania on December 23, 2025.
Adding to the pre-tournament discourse, former Real Madrid star Dimeji Lawal has stressed the importance of a strong start. Lawal asserted that Nigeria must beat Tanzania to make an immediate statement and build crucial confidence for the tournament ahead.
With a blend of youthful energy, hardened experience from their last final run, and a clear sense of purpose, the Super Eagles, led by the confident trio, are aiming to cook up a winning recipe in Morocco.
