As the 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations kicks off on Sunday, 21 December in Morocco, the Super Eagles of Nigeria land in North Africa not merely as participants, but as a squad on a mission of national redemption. Their quest is singular and historic: to finally capture that elusive fourth star and reassert their dominion over African football. AFFA ACHO analyse the challenges the Super Eagles must navigate to transform the agony of Abidjan into the ecstasy of a fourth AFCON title in Morocco.
Just over a year ago in Abidjan, the Nigerian Super Eagles stood minutes from their fourth Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) crown, only for the host nation, Ivory Coast, to stage a stunning comeback and snatch the trophy from their grasp. That painful defeat in the 2024 final has simmered for 22 months, fueling a singular ambition: redemption.
Nigeria’s quest is laden with legacy. Champions in 1980, 1994, and 2013, the Super Eagles are one of Africa’s most successful footballing nations. However, their recent history is a tale of agonizing near-misses, including silver medals in 2000, 2019, and most recently, 2024.
The tournament’s unique scheduling adds another layer. For the first time, AFCON is being played over the Christmas and New Year period, placing it squarely in the middle of the European club season. This has already sparked controversy, with managers like Mali’s Tom Saintfiet calling the late player release date “catastrophic” for preparations. Nigeria will hope their key players can transition from club duties to national service without missing a beat.
Their journey begins in Group C, which on paper offers a manageable path to the knockout rounds.
- Opponent: Tanzania
- Date: Tuesday, December 23
- Venue: Fez Stadium, Fez
- Opponent: Tunisia
- Date: Saturday, December 27
- Venue: Fez Stadium, Fez
- Opponent: Uganda
- Date: Monday, December 30
- Venue: Fez Stadium, Fez
While Tunisia presents a classic North African challenge, and East African sides Uganda and Tanzania are known for their discipline, Nigeria will be heavily favored to top this group. A strong start against Tanzania on December 23 is considered non-negotiable for building tournament momentum.
Coach Eric Chelle has named his 28-man squad for the tournament, and its profile is unmistakable: immense attacking power tempered by significant inexperience and defensive concerns.
The attack is Nigeria’s undeniable engine.Led by the iconic Victor Osimhen, it boasts a constellation of European-based forwards who can decide a game in an instant. Supporting Osimhen are the likes of Ademola Lookman, whose superb club form recently earned him Atalanta’s Goal of the Month award, and the versatile Samuel Chukwueze. With the experience of Alex Iwobi (91 caps) pulling strings in midfield, Nigeria possesses a firepower that few nations can match.
However,the path to glory is rarely smooth. Five uncapped players have been called up, including defender Ryan Alebiosu. Integrating them in a high-pressure tournament is a risk.The experienced defender Ola Aina is sidelined through injury, a significant blow to defensive stability.
While energetic, the midfield contingent will be tasked with protecting the defense and supplying the attack, a balance that has faltered in the past.This blend of breathtaking potential and palpable vulnerability is what makes Nigeria’s campaign so compelling and unpredictable.
The Contenders: A Gauntlet of Giants Awaits
To lift the trophy in Rabat on January 18, Nigeria will likely have to overcome a series of continental heavyweights. The 2025 field is among the most competitive in years.
Morocco: The Formidable Hosts
The Atlas Lions are not just hosts;they are the overwhelming favorites. Currently on a world-record 18-match winning streak and ranked 11th globally, Morocco carries the dual pressure of expectation and a 49-year title drought. Their 2022 World Cup semifinal run has forged a team of immense belief and quality, making them the team to beat on home soil.
Senegal & Algeria: The Perennial Threats
The 2021 champions Senegal, remain a physically formidable and tactically disciplined force under Pape Thiaw. North African rivals Algeria, champions in 2019, are always a threat, especially in regional conditions.
The Defending Champions and the Pharaohs
Ivory Coast,inspired by their miraculous 2024 triumph, will believe they can defend their title. Meanwhile, Egypt, led by the legendary Mohamed Salah still chasing his first AFCON are perpetually in contention for a record-extending eighth crown.
Other dangerous sides include a resurgent DR Congo, who recently beat Nigeria in World Cup playoffs, and Cameroon, the perennial “Indomitable Lions”.
This landscape of contenders underscores a critical point: there are no easy games in the knockout stages of modern AFCON. Nigeria’s talent can beat anyone, but their consistency and mentality will be tested relentlessly.
Nigeria’s Fourth Quest is a story of contrasts: dazzling attack versus defensive uncertainty, clear potential against proven pedigree, and the burning memory of failure fueling the dream of ultimate success.
Their squad has the individual brilliance to light up Morocco.Victor Osimhen’s power, Ademola Lookman’s flair, and Alex Iwobi’s guile provide a foundation for a deep run. A favorable group stage should see them advance with confidence, likely setting up a knockout stage path where their attacking weapons could prove decisive.
However, football is not won on paper. The questions surrounding team cohesion, defensive solidity, and the ability to win gritty, tactical battles against seasoned rivals like Morocco or Senegal are very real. The pain of 2024 is a powerful motivator, but it must be channeled into focused execution, not burdensome pressure.
Ultimately, the Super Eagles are poised not as a flawless juggernaut, but as one of the tournament’s most dangerous wildcards. They are capable of soaring to the pinnacle and completing their quest for a fourth star.
To do so, they must transform their undeniable potential into a relentless, unified force. The quest begins now. Morocco awaits.
