Former Nigeria international defender Godfrey Oboabona has urged the Super Eagles to approach the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco with confidence and courage, insisting that fear could derail the team’s ambition of winning a fourth continental title.
Oboabona said the Super Eagles must shed any psychological burden as they begin their campaign, stressing that belief and mental strength will be just as important as tactics and technical ability at the tournament.
The former defender, who was part of Nigeria’s title-winning squad at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, said experience from past competitions should fuel confidence rather than anxiety among the current crop of players.
Speaking in an interview with Footy-Africa, Oboabona called on the team to trust their quality and play with freedom, warning that excessive caution against opponents could undermine performance.
“The Super Eagles must believe in themselves and approach every match without fear,” he said. “Once you start respecting opponents too much, you lose your identity and confidence on the pitch.”
Nigeria head into the Morocco tournament aiming to improve on their runners-up finish at the previous Africa Cup of Nations, where they fell short in the final despite a strong overall performance.
Oboabona said the near-miss should serve as motivation rather than disappointment, urging the players to channel lessons learned into a more ruthless and focused approach in crucial moments.
He emphasized the importance of unity within the squad, noting that successful teams at major tournaments often rely on collective spirit and discipline rather than individual brilliance alone.
The former defender also highlighted the need for a strong winning mentality, arguing that champions are defined by their mindset as much as their skill and preparation.
Nigeria will face stiff competition from traditional African heavyweights and emerging contenders in Morocco, but Oboabona insisted the Super Eagles possess the depth and talent to compete with any team on the continent.
He urged the coaching crew to instill confidence and clarity in the players, particularly younger members of the squad who may be featuring at a major tournament for the first time.
As preparations intensify ahead of the competition, Oboabona said the Super Eagles must embrace the pressure that comes with wearing the national colors, describing it as a privilege rather than a burden.
He added that if the team play with courage, unity and belief, Nigeria has every chance of lifting the trophy and reaffirming its status as one of Africa’s football powerhouses.
