Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President Ibrahim Gusau has expressed full confidence in the Super Eagles’ readiness to compete for honours at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

The team enters the tournament still smarting from their 2-1 loss to hosts Côte d’Ivoire in the last edition’s final. Rather than dampen spirits, that defeat has strengthened the squad’s determination, with Gusau emphasising that Nigeria’s ambition this time is unwavering.

Under coach Eric Chelle, the Super Eagles are considered one of the favourites for the continental title. The tournament also represents an opportunity for Nigeria to redeem itself after missing out on qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Gusau highlighted the significance of a victory for national pride and the morale of fans worldwide.

“We have prepared the team with the objective of lifting the trophy. The FIFA World Cup miss still bites, but if we are able to win the Africa Cup of Nations, it will go a long way to assuaging the feelings of our fans at home and in the diaspora,” Gusau said in an interview with thenff.com.

The Super Eagles arrived in Fes on Thursday to conclude final preparations ahead of their Group C opener against Tanzania’s Taifa Stars on Tuesday.