National Teams
AFCON 2025: “We’ll be more ready” – William Troost-Ekong discusses Nigeria’s chances
By Wale Mustapha
Nigeria’s Super Eagles captain, William Troost-Ekong, has expressed confidence that the team will be fully prepared to challenge for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title.
After the tournament draw on Monday, which placed Nigeria in Group C alongside Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania, Troost-Ekong emphasized the importance of respecting their group opponents and downplayed any notion of an “easy group.”
He believes that the Super Eagles have learned valuable lessons from their second-place finish in the 2023 edition, where they lost 2-1 in the final to host nation Ivory Coast.
“AFCON 2025 draw is now over, very exciting to see the groups. Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania. Three teams that need to be respected,” Troost-Ekong said.
“I think we have the experience now on how to handle situations like this. There are no easy games again in Africa. That’s common knowledge now.”
Troost-Ekong, who played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s run to the final in 2023, emphasized that this time around, the team will be more prepared to go a step further and lift the trophy.
“However, I believe we have what it takes to come out of this group and this time go all the way. We learned so much last year from the AFCON in Abidjan. This time, we will be more ready and work hard throughout the year to make sure everyone is fit and ready,” he added.
The Super Eagles captain is also looking forward to working with the team’s new coach as they prepare for the tournament. With a year of preparation ahead, Troost-Ekong is optimistic that the Super Eagles will be ready to make a strong push for their fourth continental title.
“We are looking forward to playing under the new coach. Exciting year ahead, and I’m very happy with the AFCON draw,” Troost-Ekong concluded.
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations will take place in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, with 24 teams competing for the prestigious title.