The Super Eagles are still reeling from another painful failure to reach the FIFA World Cup, and for many, the only real path to redemption now runs straight through Morocco — host of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

For the first time since 1990, Nigeria have missed back-to-back World Cup tournaments, an unprecedented setback for a nation long regarded as a continental giant. After finishing runners-up to South Africa in Group C, the Eagles earned a lifeline as one of the best second-placed teams.

That hope soared after a dominant 4–1 win over Gabon in the play-off semi-final, powered by a brace from star striker Victor Osimhen. But the revival died abruptly when Nigeria fell to DR Congo on penalties in the final qualifying round.

“Our players are suffering, and we must find a cure. Instead of hurting, we must hurt our opponents,” head coach Eric Chelle said, urging a psychological reset.

Osimhen, speaking from Turkey, voiced the frustration felt across the country.
“Nigerians keep telling us we are a golden generation. But we have now failed twice in succession to qualify for the World Cup,” he said. “If we are that good, how come we keep failing? Now we have to return to Morocco and win the Cup of Nations.”

The Napoli forward stressed that Nigeria’s squad is loaded with elite talent from Europe’s top leagues and must now convert potential into trophies.

Nigeria will contest Group C alongside Tunisia, Tanzania and Uganda, enjoying top-seed status and playing all first-round matches in the northern city of Fes.

The heavyweight clash with Tunisia on December 27 is widely expected to determine the group winner. The nations have met six times at AFCON level: Nigeria have won three, lost one, and drawn two.

Chelle is cautious but confident about the challenge.
“Tunisia have had an excellent year,” he said, noting their recent friendly draw with five-time world champions Brazil. “Uganda are improving under Paul Put, and many Tanzanian players feature in one of Africa’s strongest local leagues.”

The coach joked about the pressure he faces from home:
“There are about 230 million Nigerians — which means 230 million national coaches,” he said, adding that he has stayed off social media to avoid distractions.

Chelle guided Mali to the 2024 AFCON quarter-finals, losing 2–1 to eventual champions Ivory Coast after conceding late in both regular and extra time. In Morocco, one of his toughest tasks will be selecting his strike force from a blistering list of forwards.

Beyond Osimhen, Chelle can call up 2024 African Player of the Year Ademola Lookman, Victor Boniface, Samuel Chukwueze, Tolu Arokodare, Moses Simon, Adams Akor and Chidera Ejuke.

Tunisia’s coach, Samy Trabelsi, acknowledges Nigeria’s pedigree but refuses to concede the battle early.
“Nigeria are a continental powerhouse with talent across Europe,” he said. “But anything is possible at an AFCON. My target is at least the semi-finals.”

Tunisia struggled in AFCON qualifying, losing at home to Comoros and Gambia, but were flawless in their World Cup push: nine wins, one draw, and 10 clean sheets.

Uganda return after missing two AFCON editions, with Put promising a team that “will not back down when we play stronger opponents.”

Tanzania made a late coaching switch, replacing Hemed Suleiman with Argentine Miguel Gamondi. Captain Mbwana Samatta has earned a recall following strong form for Le Havre as the Taifa Stars pursue a first-ever AFCON match win after three winless appearances.