Aiyegbeni Super Eagles AFCON prospects rise as Yakubu Aiyegbeni predicts Nigeria can redeem themselves and win AFCON 2025 in Morocco.
Former Nigeria striker Yakubu Aiyegbeni has backed the Super Eagles to mount a strong challenge for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, insisting the team can redeem their image after failing to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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Aiyegbeni, who claimed three bronze medals during his international career, believes the squad has enough quality to respond decisively to the disappointment of losing to DR Congo on penalties in the African play-off.
Nigeria had earlier missed out on the automatic qualification spot during the 10-match group stage.
The Super Eagles, coached by Eric Chelle, are drawn in Group C alongside Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda for a tournament scheduled to run from 21 December to 18 January.
The team will travel to Egypt on 10 December for a training camp and a friendly against the Pharaohs before heading to Morocco.
Aiyegbeni told SportsCasting that reaching the final would give Nigeria the platform for a powerful recovery.
He said victory would lift the nation’s spirit after the World Cup setback and reaffirm the team’s continental pedigree.
Chelle on Tuesday released a provisional 54-man squad from which the final 28 players will be chosen imminently.
The Nigeria Football Federation confirmed that preparations will intensify in Egypt before the squad departs for Fès, where the opening match against Tanzania will be played on 23 December.
Aiyegbeni highlighted Victor Osimhen and Calvin Bassey as key figures capable of driving Nigeria’s AFCON ambition, praising Osimhen’s leadership and intensity as well as Bassey’s defensive strength and commitment.
Group C promises stern tests.
Nigeria face Tunisia in a pivotal fixture on 27 December in Fès before concluding the group phase on 31 December against Uganda.
Tunisia will end their group campaign against Tanzania on the same day in Rabat.
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Nigeria, runners-up at the last AFCON after a narrow defeat to Ivory Coast, are targeting a fourth continental title, having previously lifted the trophy in 1980, 1994 and 2013.
Peculiar Adirika is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
