Time To Forget 2026 World Cup Miss, Focus On AFCON

Time To Forget 2026 World Cup Miss, Focus On AFCON

Nigeria’s painful failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup remains fresh in the minds of millions of football-loving Nigerians across the globe.

The disappointment was deep, the public outcry was loud, and the emotional scars are still visible.

However, football, like life, offers no time to dwell forever on setbacks. The next major challenge is already at the doorstep the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, scheduled to kick off in one month and Nigeria must now turn the page.

This moment demands focus, unity, and strategic rebuilding. The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), the technical crew, and the Super Eagles players must bury the World Cup heartbreak and work purposefully towards redeeming pride at AFCON.

A Chance for Redemption The AFCON tournament presents more than just another competition; it represents: A chance to restore confidence in the national team. 

An opportunity to reconnect with disenchanted supporters. 

A platform to redefine the Super Eagles’ identity and style of play.

A path to revive Nigeria’s status among Africa’s football powerhouses Winning or at least strongly contending for the continental title would be a powerful response to recent failures.

It is a challenge worth embracing with full commitment. NFF Must Lead with Structure, Not Sentiment.

The NFF’s role at this critical moment is crucial. To avoid repeating mistakes, the federation must: Provide the technical crew with full support and resources Resolve all administrative conflicts and logistical issues early.

Ensure players’ welfare, bonuses, and allowances are fully settled Avoid last-minute disruptions that often plague.

Nigerian football The federation must also communicate more transparently with fans and stakeholders, restoring trust.

Technical Crew Must Work with Precision

For the coaching team, sentiment and experimentation must give way to: A clear tactical philosophy Proper selection based on fitness and form, not reputation Intensive preparation through training camps and competitive friendlies.

Building team chemistry and mental resilience AFCON is always fiercely competitive, and only a well-prepared squad stands a chance.

Players Must Show Hunger and Patriotism

The players, many of whom were heavily criticized during the World Cup qualifiers, now have an opportunity to rewrite their legacy.

They must: Show commitment and discipline on and off the pitch Put national pride above personal ego

Demonstrate leadership, especially senior members of the squad

Treat every training and match like a final This is a chance to fight for national honour not for social media applause.

Fans Must Support, Not Destroy Nigerians are passionate, often emotional, but now is the time for constructive support. The team needs encouragement, not abuse or division.

Unity off the pitch often translates to performance on it. Looking Ahead with Hope With just a month to the start of AFCON 2025 in Morocco, Nigeria still has enough time to regroup and prepare effectively.

The Super Eagles are blessed with great talent across top leagues worldwide the raw quality is undeniable.

What is needed is organization, discipline, teamwork, and belief. The World Cup is gone. The AFCON is now the target. This is the moment to forget the past and build a strong future. If the Super Eagles approach this tournament with determination and renewed purpose, the broken hearts of Nigerian fans can be revived again and a new chapter of glory can begin.

Conclusion The message is simple and urgent: It’s time to move forward. It’s time to rebuild. It’s time to focus on AFCON 2025. Nigeria must rise again — starting now.

BSN Sports Correspondent Sampson Adedeji