Former Nigeria international Dimeji Lawal has urged the Super Eagles to go all out for glory at the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco after their recent failure to deliver a ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Footynaija.com reports.
The Super Eagles had a second chance to seal qualification for next summer’s Mundial through the play-offs phase after finishing second behind South Africa in the group phase and failing to secure an automatic ticket.
Eric Chelle‘s men simply needed to top the CAF play-offs by winning two games before proceeding to next year’s inter-confederation play-offs.
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However, they stumbled at the second hurdle of the CAF play-offs, suffering a 4-3 shootout defeat against DR Congo to end Nigeria’s World Cup dream.
With Nigerians still reeling from the disappointment of missing out on back-to-back World Cup tournaments, Lawal believes only victory at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations can suit the ire of Super Eagles fans.
What Dimeji Lawal said
“It’s sad that the Super Eagles will not be playing at the 2026 World Cup after that loss on penalties to DR Congo,” the ex-midfielder told Complete Sport.
“However, I expect the players to do everything to win the 2025 AFCON for Nigerians. They have done well to support the team and the best gift that can appease them is the AFCON title.
“There is no doubt that Nigeria are one of the favourites to win the competitions in Morocco.”
The commencement of the tournament is just over a month away, with Nigeria kicking off their campaign on Tuesday, December 23 against Tanzania at the Fez Sports Complex in Fez, Morocco.
The Super Eagles narrowly missed out on a fourth continental crown last time out after losing 2-1 to hosts Cote D’Ivoire in the final. This time around, they’ll be desperate to go one better in order to make up for the disappointment of the missed World Cup.
