Former Super Eagles midfielder Ogenyi Onazi believes Nigeria has the potential to win a fourth Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title. He expressed strong support for the team ahead of the 2025 tournament in Morocco.
The Super Eagles face significant uncertainty. Their failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has created doubts. Many wonder how far the team can go on the African continent.
Concerns grew when head coach Eric Chelle announced his final AFCON squad. He excluded established players like Maduka Okoye, Terem Moffi, and Tolu Arokodare. Instead, the Franco-Malian coach gave chances to newer, less familiar talents. These include Salim Fago Lawal, Tochukwu Nnadi, and Ebenezer Akinsanmiro.
Onazi Sees Parallels to 2013 Victory
Despite this widespread skepticism, Onazi remains optimistic. He believes the team can repeat past successes. This is possible if the players fully embrace the upcoming challenge.
The former Lazio midfielder drew parallels with Nigeria’s victorious 2013 AFCON campaign in South Africa. He argued that new faces are not a weakness. For the three-time African champions, they can be an advantage.
“Our 2013 team also had many new players,” Onazi told Footy Africa. “People did not believe in us then. We understood the big task ahead and committed our best efforts. We ultimately lifted the title. I expect the same dedication and result from this current group of players.”
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