AFCON: Onazi Urges Super Eagles Players To Go Hard

AFCON: Onazi Urges Super Eagles Players To Go Hard

Sampson Adedeji

Former Nigerian international Ogenyi Onazi has charged the current Super Eagles squad to give their all and push for glory at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Speaking ahead of the tournament, the former Lazio midfielder drew parallels between the present team and Nigeria’s victorious squad at the 2013 AFCON, where the Super Eagles defied public scepticism to lift the trophy.

"Just like our team in 2013, we had many new players who made people not believe in us,” Onazi told Footy Africa.

“We knew we had a huge task in front of us, and we decided to give it our best. We were able to lift the title. I expect the same from this set of players.”

Onazi urged the players to block out external pressure and criticism, emphasizing commitment and passion as key ingredients for success.

“Forget about what anyone thinks and go hard, real hard, to try and win the title,” he added.

 “Once you wear that jersey, it does not matter when you play. What matters is your heart.”

The former midfield enforcer was a member of Nigeria’s triumphant 2013 AFCON squad under the late Stephen Keshi, a team remembered for its resilience and unity en route to continental success.

The Super Eagles will be hoping to draw inspiration from such words as they aim to reclaim the AFCON title in Morocco.