Former Nigerian midfielder Dimeji Lawal believes a winning start at the fast approaching 2025 Africa Cup of Nations will be a much-needed confidence booster for Eric Chelle and the Super Eagles, Footynaija.com reports.
The Super Eagles have been pitted against some rather tricky opponents in Group C where they will have to navigate successive games against Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda for a chance to progress into the knockout rounds.
While the tournament kicks off on Sunday, December 21, the three-time African champions are not in action until two days later when they’ll face Tanzania in Fez and Lawal has hammered on the importance of starting on a winning note.
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“The 2025 AFCON is just around the corner, and the Super Eagles will be hoping to make the impossible possible at the end of the tournament,” the former midfielder told Complete Sport in a recent interview.
“However, it’s very important for the team to pick up the three points in their opening game against Tanzania. This will help boost the players’ confidence ahead of their second group game against Tunisia.
“Looking at the players at our disposal, I expect the Super Eagles to overcome Tanzania.”
Nigeria opened their campaign at the 2023 edition of the Africa Cup of Nations with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Equatorial Guinea before going on to power their way through to the final where they fell to host nation Ivory Coast.
However, with Tunisia, who knocked Nigeria out in the quarterfinals of the 2021 edition awaiting them on matchday two, Chelle’s men will need the confidence booster that an opening day victory can provide.
