Peter Ijeh Urges Super Eagles to Channel World Cup Disappointment Into AFCON 2025 Glory

Former Nigeria striker Peter Ijeh has called on the Super Eagles to quickly move past the heartbreak of missing out on the 2026 FIFA World Cup and redirect their energy toward winning the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Nigeria fell short after losing 4-3 on penalties to DR Congo in the African playoffs last week, a result that stunned fans and left the football community deeply disappointed.

With the dust still settling, Ijeh believes the setback should serve as fuel rather than frustration.

“Missing next year’s World Cup should be a motivating factor for Super Eagles players to go and win the AFCON,” he said on Brila FM.
“The AFCON is another opportunity for the players to make amends because what has gone has gone—there is nothing they can do about it.”

The Super Eagles will compete in Group C alongside Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania, and will kick off their campaign against Tanzania on December 23 in Fez.

Opinion: Heartbreak May Be the Wake-Up Call Nigeria Needs

Nigeria’s World Cup miss felt like a national tragedy—painful, unexpected, and avoidable. But sometimes, football greatness is born from disappointment.

This team still possesses talent, pride, and history. What they now need is hunger—something the World Cup failure has provided in full supply. AFCON 2025 isn’t just another tournament; it’s a chance for redemption, unity, and restored belief.

Fans aren’t just hoping—they’re demanding response, accountability, and revival.

If the Super Eagles play with urgency, discipline, and purpose, they won’t just compete in Morocco—they could dominate it.

Because Nigeria winning AFCON after missing the World Cup?
That would be the ultimate comeback story—and Africa loves a comeback.

Now, it’s up to the players to write it.