NFF launches ‘redemption drive’ as Nigeria seek fresh glory at Morocco 2025 AFCON

By Dayo Awoniyi

With the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco just weeks away, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has intensified efforts to rejuvenate the Super Eagles following the disappointment of missing out on the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

According to The Guardian, a senior NFF official confirmed that the federation fully understands the emotional toll on both players and fans after the failed World Cup campaign. In response, it has initiated a structured motivation programme designed to refocus the national team ahead of the continental challenge.

“We know the players were deeply disappointed after failing to qualify for the World Cup. The Nations Cup presents an opportunity to redeem themselves and deliver a worthy consolation to Nigerians,” the official said.

As part of the renewed agenda, NFF President Ibrahim Gusau has held meetings with key Super Eagles players across Europe to reinforce commitment and unity ahead of the tournament. The federation is now putting finishing touches on the provisional AFCON squad, which is expected to be announced later this week.

“Letters have already been sent to clubs and players detailing the Super Eagles’ programme. The provisional list for the Africa Cup of Nations should be made public in the coming days,” the official added.

To ensure optimal preparation, the NFF is weighing the option of holding a pre-tournament training camp either in Morocco or another North African country, giving the squad enough time to acclimatise before settling into their official AFCON base.

Nigeria will compete in Group C alongside Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania at the tournament scheduled for December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.

Group C Fixtures:

• December 23: Nigeria vs Tanzania – Complexe Sportif de Fès, Fès

• December 23: Tunisia vs Uganda – Stade Annexe, Prince Moulay Abdellah, Rabat

• December 27: Nigeria vs Tunisia – Complexe Sportif de Fès

• December 27: Uganda vs Tanzania – Stade El Bardi, Rabat

• December 31: Nigeria vs Uganda – Fès

• December 31: Tunisia vs Tanzania – Rabat (simultaneous kick-off)

With a clear mandate and renewed purpose, the Super Eagles head into Morocco 2025 seeking redemption and driven by a federation determined to restore national pride on the African stage.

Samuel Ahmadu

Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. On the back of domestic engagement since 2008, he began his international career journey at Goal.com in February 2014, where he served as an African women's football correspondent for nearly eight years. During his tenure at Goal.com, Samuel covered major events such as three Women's Africa Cup of Nations (2016, 2018, 2022) and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada plus 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His work at Goal.com earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his in-depth profiles of African football stars, notably Asisat Oshoala, whose rise he documented from her early years to her breakthrough at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2014. Prior to his role at Goal.com, Samuel freelanced for various print and broadcast media outlets in Nigeria, including Graphics Newspaper, Radio Nigeria, Grace FM, and Savid Newspaper. His extensive experience and expertise led to his appointment to the Nigeria Football Federation's Standing Committee on Women's Football Development from 2016 to 2018. Since February 2018, Samuel has been the Social Media Manager for Nigeria's women's national teams.In 2019, Samuel joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a women's football content contributor and was promoted to Women's Football Editor in 2021. His contributions to women's football continued as he worked as a Media Consultant for Content Creation and Editorials at the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League. Currently, Samuel also serves as the spokesman for the Nigeria Women Football League, further solidifying his influence and dedication to the growth of women's football in Africa.

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