Ibrahim Gusau Confident Super Eagles Will Beat Morocco, Win AFCON 2025

President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Gusau, has expressed strong confidence that the Super Eagles will defeat tournament hosts Morocco in the semifinal of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and go on to lift the trophy.

Nigeria booked their place in the semifinals following a convincing 2–0 victory over Algeria in the quarterfinals and will face the Atlas Lions on Wednesday in Casablanca.

Speaking with BSN Sports in Mohammedia, Morocco, Gusau said he believes the Super Eagles possess the focus, commitment and unity required to overcome the host nation and emerge champions of Africa.

The NFF president drew parallels with the Super Falcons’ dramatic triumph over Morocco in the final of the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), where Nigeria overturned a 2–0 deficit to win 3–2 despite what he described as intense pressure and intimidation.

“Since we arrived for this tournament three weeks ago, we have seen steady progress in the team,” Gusau said.

“The most important thing is the commitment of the players and their understanding of one another. The bonding within the squad is very strong, and it is working in our favour.”

Gusau assured Nigerians that the players remain highly motivated and determined to bring joy to the country.

“I can confidently say that these boys are very focused and determined to make Nigeria proud. By the grace of God, they will return home with the trophy after the final on January 18, 2026,” he added.

He also acknowledged the support of the Federal Government, noting that the National Sports Commission has continued to provide encouragement and backing for the team throughout the tournament.

“The players and the coaching crew have collectively assured me and Nigerians that we should remain prayerful and hopeful. They are fully committed to winning the title and bringing it back home,” Gusau said.

According to the NFF president, the unity and discipline he has observed within the camp are among the best he has seen, further strengthening his confidence ahead of the semifinal showdown.

Reiterating his belief in Nigeria’s ability to overcome Morocco once again, Gusau stressed that football outcomes are ultimately decided on the pitch.

“As we saw in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations against the same Morocco, Nigeria still emerged victorious. We believe the same will happen here. Once the whistle is blown, it is eleven players against eleven players. All other factors end there,” he concluded. “Our boys are ready for that challenge.”

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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