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AFCON 2025: “They’re not good enough” — Odegbami doubts Nigeria’s title chances

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AFCON 2025: “They’re not good enough” — Odegbami doubts Nigeria’s title chances

By Monsurah Olatunji

Former Nigerian international Segun Odegbami has shared his thoughts on the Super Eagles’ chances at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), following the draw for the tournament.

While the legendary footballer acknowledged Nigeria’s potential to lift the prestigious trophy, he expressed doubts over whether the current squad is adequately prepared to compete for the title, despite boasting the reigning African Player of the Year.

The three-time African champions were placed in Group C alongside Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania in the upcoming tournament.

In a column for Complete Sports, Odegbami outlined his reservations, stating: “From December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, the world will witness the best of African football once again. My immediate feeling is that Nigeria can win AFCON 2025, but the Super Eagles will not!”

He explained the internal conflict he feels between his patriotic desire for the team to succeed and his realistic assessment of their readiness.

“The draws for the TotalEnergies CAF African Cup of Nations 2025 were concluded last week in Rabat, Morocco. The road to the tournament is now open to analysts and soothsayers, and the wagering war has begun,” Odegbami continued.

“So far, I see nothing in my crystal ball that remotely suggests that the Super Eagles are one of the favorites to win it. Can they? Yes, on paper. Will they? In my realistic consideration, far from it. However, in football, anything can happen, especially since, as the cliche goes, ‘there are no more minnows in African football.’”

Odegbami’s candid analysis highlights the challenges facing the Super Eagles as they prepare for AFCON 2025.

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Samuel Ahmadu
Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. He began his career 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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