Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong says Nigeria’s only goal at AFCON 2025 in Morocco is to win their fourth continental title
Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has declared that Nigeria’s sole ambition at the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco is to clinch a fourth continental title.
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Nigeria last lifted the AFCON trophy in 2013 under the late **Stephen Keshi, having previously won the tournament in 1980 and 1994.
Troost-Ekong, speaking to CAFOnline, said the team under new coach Eric Sekou Chelle is going into the tournament with renewed determination, especially after their heartbreaking 2–1 loss to Côte d’Ivoire in the 2023 final.
“Winning the trophy in Morocco is our only goal,” the 32-year-old defender said.
“We learned so much from the last AFCON final. Côte d’Ivoire were the better team that day, but we gained valuable experience — some of our players were in a first major final for their nation. Now, the target is to use that experience to go all the way.”
Troost-Ekong, who plays for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, admitted that while Nigeria boast an “amazing squad,” the competition in Morocco will be fierce.
“There’s no such thing as a clear favourite at AFCON. Morocco are at home, Côte d’Ivoire are defending champions, and Senegal remain strong. Last time, not many tipped us to go that far. You can’t win a tournament on expectations — AFCON is difficult, and surprises always happen.”
The Super Eagles captain stressed the importance of team spirit and consistency, qualities he believes made Côte d’Ivoire champions in 2023.
“Heart, togetherness and consistency — that’s what wins tournaments,” he said.
“From my experiences — third place, then second — momentum must grow through the tournament. New stars will emerge, and you need to stay calm, manage emotions and take each game one step at a time.”
Nigeria have been drawn in Group C alongside Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania.
The Super Eagles will begin their AFCON 2025 campaign on December 23 against Tanzania, before facing Tunisia on December 27 and Uganda on December 30.
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If successful, the team will aim to end a 12-year wait for another continental crown and solidify their legacy as one of Africa’s football powerhouses.
