Former Super Eagles Goalkeeper Urges NFF to Begin Early AFCON Planning

Former Super Eagles Goalkeeper Urges NFF to Begin Early AFCON Planning

By BSN Sports 

Former Super Eagles goalkeeper Ike Shorunmu has called on the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to begin immediate preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, following the national team’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Nigeria missed out on a World Cup spot after a 4–3 penalty shootout defeat to DR Congo in the CAF play-offs. The match had ended 1–1 after extra time, sealing the country’s absence from consecutive World Cups after also missing the 2022 edition in Qatar.

Speaking to Footy-Africa, Shorunmu urged football authorities to respond decisively to the setback by strengthening the team’s structure and setting clear plans ahead of the next major tournament.

“I hope the NFF will think ahead of time and come up with a solid plan for the team, starting with the Africa Cup of Nations,” he said. “What has happened is gone now, and we have to start thinking of the way forward for Nigerian football.”

Shorunmu stressed that early and effective preparation is essential, warning that the AFCON tournament is fast approaching and that expectations from fans will be high after the World Cup disappointment.

“The AFCON is just around the corner, and it is important that we start preparations early and get everything right,” he added. “I am sure the players understand how Nigerians feel now and will want to make amends at the Nations Cup.”

The former goalkeeper, who was Nigeria’s first-choice at the 2002 World Cup, acknowledged the widespread frustration following the defeat. He noted that both players and supporters shared concerns over the team’s performance and the overall quality of preparation leading into the play-offs.

Reflecting on the build-up to the decisive match, Shorunmu said the team’s approach lacked adequate organisation. “In terms of preparation, it was a little bit sloppy,” he said, urging the federation to prioritise long-term planning for future competitions.

Nigeria’s elimination capped a turbulent week for the team. The Super Eagles took an early lead in Rabat through Frank Onyeka’s third-minute strike before Elia Meschack capitalised on defensive lapses to equalise for DR Congo. The match eventually went to penalties, where misses from Calvin Bassey, Moses Simon and Semi Ajayi proved costly.

The play-offs were preceded by off-field distractions, including a brief training boycott by the players over unpaid allowances and bonuses ahead of the semi-final against Gabon. Although the dispute was resolved within a day and the team went on to defeat Gabon 4–1 after extra time, the incident reignited criticism of the NFF’s administrative shortcomings and raised fresh questions about governance and player welfare.

Attention now shifts to AFCON 2025, where Nigeria will play all their group matches at the Fez Stadium. The Super Eagles open their campaign against Tanzania on December 23, before facing Tunisia on December 27 and Uganda on December 30 as they pursue a fourth continental title.