Photo Credit: BusinessDay

Eniola Olagunju

As the countdown to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) begins, Nigeria’s Super Eagles have weathered a rollercoaster of challenges and emerged qualified for Africa’s biggest football stage. Set to take place in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, the tournament offers another shot at continental glory. Nigeria has been drawn into Group C, where it will square off against Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania. That is a mix of historic rivals and rising underdogs.

The road to Morocco was anything but smooth for Nigeria. Despite securing qualification with key wins over São Tomé and Sierra Leone, the campaign exposed cracks in the team’s tactical consistency and structural readiness. A disappointing 1-1 home draw against Lesotho and unconvincing performances in other fixtures left many fans questioning the Super Eagles’ readiness for AFCON. The team’s seeming lack of urgency and coordination prompted critics to raise concerns about its mental strength and preparedness.

Still, there were moments of brilliance. Star forward Victor Osimhen led from the front with vital goals, while Ademola Lookman added a supporting spark that turned matches around. Their efforts often covered for deeper issues in the squad, such as defensive frailty and midfield lapses. These two players alongside a few others were instrumental in helping Nigeria cross the finish line in the qualifiers, even when the team appeared shaky.

A significant setback

One of the most talked-about moments in Nigeria’s AFCON journey didn’t happen on the pitch, rather it took place at a Libyan airport. In a dramatic and chaotic turn of events, the Super Eagles were left stranded for over 16 hours in Libya ahead of a vital qualifying match. The incident, which many Nigerians called a national embarrassment, highlighted the all-too-familiar logistical shortcomings in Nigerian football administration.

The chaos prompted a flurry of reactions, with some believing it was a calculated act of “revenge” by the Libyan side. This speculation gained traction when details surfaced about the treatment the Libyan national team had previously received in Nigeria during the first leg of the qualifiers. According to Libya’s captain, Faisal Al-Badri, the team had their luggage searched inside their plane for over an hour, faced a three-hour delay in ground transportation despite the proximity of the airport, and were eventually transported in poorly conditioned minibuses alongside embassy cars.

In Libya, Nigeria faced similar treatment but only worse. Players were reportedly left without accommodation or food and were forced to sleep on airport chairs and hard floors. The situation quickly spiraled. Some foreign-based players threatened to boycott the match, while others abandoned the trip entirely and returned to their European clubs. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) was roundly criticized for its poor organization, lack of foresight, and apparent disregard for player welfare. It was yet another example of how off-pitch failings continue to undermine the country’s football potential.

Possible Trails Ahead

With qualification secured, the Super Eagles now face new challenges ahead of the tournament proper. Chief among the challenges is the familiar club-vs-country dilemma. Most of Nigeria’s key players are based in Europe, where the football season will be in full swing during AFCON. This timing has historically led to friction between European clubs and African football federations over player release.

Players such as Victor Osimhen (Napoli), Ademola Lookman (Atalanta), Wilfred Ndidi and Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City), Calvin Bassey (Fulham), Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan), and Gift Orban (Lyon) are essential to Nigeria’s hopes. However, these clubs may be reluctant to let them go mid-season, especially when domestic competitions like the Premier League, Serie A, and Ligue 1 are at critical points.

Clubs might employ subtle tactics like delaying medical clearances, citing minor injuries, or pressing players to stay for key matches. This push-and-pull could cause disruptions in Nigeria’s camp and affect training schedules, tactical planning, and squad chemistry.

Hopes and Realities

Despite the setbacks and looming trials, hope remains alive. Nigeria has a proud AFCON legacy, having lifted the trophy three times in 1980, 1994, and 2013. The current crop of players represents a promising blend of youth, flair, and experience. From the attacking prowess of Osimhen to the creative midfield play of Lookman, and the defensive grit of Bassey and Ajayi, Nigeria has the tools to succeed.

But talent alone won’t be enough. As previous tournaments have shown, discipline, team spirit, and competent management are just as crucial. Injury management, early preparation, and transparent administration will be key ingredients in determining Nigeria’s fate in Morocco.

Many fans are cautiously optimistic. While some are excited about what this team could achieve, others remain skeptical, scarred by past failures and mismanagement. There is a growing call for the NFF to learn from previous mistakes and provide a stable environment for the team to flourish.

AFCON 2025 is more than just another football tournament for Nigeria. It is a platform to rebuild trust, show progress, and prove that the Super Eagles can rise above adversity. With the right preparation, Nigeria has every chance to not just participate, but compete for the crown once more.