After World Cup Heartbreak, NFF Moves to Rebuild Super Eagles’ Confidence Ahead Of AFCON

After World Cup Heartbreak, NFF Moves to Rebuild Super Eagles’ Confidence Ahead Of AFCON 

By BSN Sports 

With the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) set to kick off next month in Morocco, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has intensified efforts to motivate the Super Eagles following the disappointment of missing out on the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

A senior NFF official told The Guardian that the federation acknowledges the emotional toll of the World Cup setback on both players and fans. As a result, it has launched a targeted campaign to refocus the squad’s mindset toward securing success at the continental showpiece.

 “We know the players were deeply disappointed after failing to qualify for the World Cup. The Nations Cup presents an opportunity to redeem themselves and deliver a worthy consolation to Nigerians,” the official said.

According to the source, NFF President Ibrahim Gusau has been in Europe meeting with key Super Eagles players as the federation finalizes its provisional AFCON squad, expected to be released later this week

 “Letters have already been sent to clubs and players detailing the Super Eagles’ programme. The provisional list for the Africa Cup of Nations should be made public in the coming days,” the official added.

The NFF is also considering setting up a pre-tournament training camp either in Morocco or another North African location to ensure smooth acclimatization before the team moves to its official base for the tournament.

Group C Assignment

Nigeria has been drawn into Group C alongside Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania for the tournament scheduled from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.

The Super Eagles will open their campaign against Tanzania on December 23 at the Complexe Sportif de Fès in Fès. On the same day, Tunisia will face Uganda at the Stade Annexe of Prince Moulay Abdellah in Rabat.

The group’s standout fixture Nigeria versus Tunisia will take place on December 27 at the Complexe Sportif de Fès, while Uganda and Tanzania square off at Stade El Bardi in Rabat.

The final round of matches comes up on December 31, with Nigeria meeting Uganda in Fès and Tunisia tackling Tanzania in Rabat. Both matches will kick off simultaneously.