AFCON 2025: Super Eagles Urged To Treat Every Match As Final

Former Nigerian international, Godfrey Oboabona, has issued a rallying cry to the Super Eagles ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, advising them to approach every fixture as if it were a final.
The three-time AFCON champions, who find themselves in Group C alongside Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uganda, are set to commence their campaign against Tanzania on Tuesday, 23rd December.
Speaking exclusively to Footy Africa, Oboabona emphasised the formidable opposition Nigeria will inevitably encounter, citing footballing powerhouses such as Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, and more recently, the emerging threats of Cape Verde and Gabon.

“Nigeria is consistently among the favourites at every AFCON, and with unwavering determination and by treating each game like a final, victory is certainly within reach,” Oboabona stated. “However, the tournament also features exceptionally strong teams. Nations like Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, and indeed, Cape Verde and Gabon, are formidable contenders for the title. For Nigeria to triumph, they must truly earn it through sheer hard work and resilience.”

He further stressed the psychological aspect of competition: “The Super Eagles must have unwavering self-belief and confront every match without fear. A robust winning mentality within the squad is absolutely essential—sometimes you have to visualise success first and genuinely believe it’s achievable.”
Oboabona concluded by highlighting the importance of team cohesion, drawing on his own experiences:

“The team also requires unity, staying together like a family; that spirit was a pivotal part of our success during my time.”