Babangida Urges Super Eagles To Restore National Pride By Winning AFCON

Babangida Urges Super Eagles to Restore National Pride by Winning AFCON 2025

By Admin 

Former Nigeria international Tijani Babangida has urged the Super Eagles to seize the opportunity to restore their reputation by winning the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Speaking to Tribal Football, Babangida said lifting the continental title would go a long way toward easing the disappointment felt across the country following Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Super Eagles narrowly missed out on a World Cup spot after losing 4–3 on penalties to the Democratic Republic of Congo in the final African playoff marking back-to-back qualification failures.

“I think that after the unfortunate experience of missing the FIFA World Cup back to back, it is still very painful to digest this reality,” Babangida said.

He stressed that AFCON now represents Nigeria’s most realistic avenue to restore pride and confidence within the football community. “For the NFF, the players and football stakeholders, all we have now is the AFCON. We have to do everything we can to win the tournament.”

Babangida acknowledged the challenge ahead, noting that the continent’s strongest teams including those qualified for the 2026 World Cup will also compete in Morocco. However, he believes the Super Eagles possess the quality and resilience to make a deep run.

“The tournament will not be easy, but the Super Eagles may surprise the world and go all the way,” he said. “I think the team can bring the Cup back to Nigeria after more than 12 years. I see Nigeria playing in the final, at least. Anything can happen in a cup final.”

Nigeria were runners-up at the last AFCON, losing 2–1 to Côte d’Ivoire in the 2024 edition.