AFCON 2025: NFF President Gusau Declares Super Eagles Ready to Lift the Trophy

President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Gusau, has expressed strong confidence in the Super Eagles’ readiness to win the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Nigeria came agonisingly close to a fourth continental title at the last AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire, where they lost 2–1 to the host nation in the final. With that disappointment still fresh, Gusau believes the team, now under the guidance of head coach Éric Chelle, is fully prepared to go one step further this time.

The Super Eagles are widely regarded as one of the favourites for the tournament, especially as they seek redemption following their failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

According to Gusau, lifting the AFCON trophy would not only restore belief but also help heal the pain of missing out on the global showpiece.

“We have prepared the team with the objective of lifting the trophy. The FIFA World Cup miss still bites, but if we are able to win the Africa Cup of Nations, it will go a long way to assuaging the feelings of our fans at home and in the diaspora,” Gusau said in an interview with thenff.com.

The Super Eagles arrived in Fes, Morocco, on Thursday and will begin their AFCON campaign against Tanzania’s Taifa Stars next Tuesday.

Opinion: A Chance for Redemption and National Healing

Gusau’s statement captures the mood around the Super Eagles—hope mixed with unfinished business. Missing out on the 2026 World Cup was a bitter blow, but AFCON 2025 presents a powerful opportunity for redemption. For the players, it is a chance to restore pride; for the fans, it is an opportunity to dream again.

Nigeria have the talent, depth, and experience to challenge for the title, but as always, AFCON demands more than reputation. Consistency, focus, and hunger will decide whether this team can finally turn promise into silverware.

If the Super Eagles can channel the pain of past disappointments into determination, Morocco could be the stage where Nigeria’s long wait for a fourth AFCON crown finally comes to an end.