Onazi Backs Super Eagles to Win Fourth AFCON Title Despite Squad Changes

Former Super Eagles midfielder Ogenyi Onazi has thrown his full support behind Nigeria’s quest for a fourth Africa Cup of Nations title at the 2025 tournament in Morocco, urging the team to rise above pressure and expectations, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Super Eagles head into the competition under intense scrutiny following their failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a setback that has increased demands on head coach Éric Chelle and his squad. The Malian tactician made some bold decisions in his final selection, leaving out several established names such as goalkeeper Maduka Okoye and striker Tolu Arokodare, while handing first-time invitations to Tochukwu Nnadi, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, and Salim Fago Lawal.

Despite the changes, Onazi believes Nigeria has what it takes to challenge for the title, drawing inspiration from his own experience with the national team. The former Lazio midfielder referenced the Super Eagles’ 2013 AFCON triumph, a tournament where a largely untested squad defied expectations to lift the trophy.

“Just like our team in 2013, we had many new players who made people not believe in us. We knew we had a huge task in front of us, and we decided to give it our best. We were able to lift the title. I expect the same from this set of players,” Onazi told Footy Africa.

He further encouraged the players to block out external noise and focus solely on giving maximum effort whenever they step onto the pitch.

“Forget about what anyone thinks and go hard, real hard, to try and win the title. Once you wear that jersey, it does not matter when you play. What matters is your heart,” he said.

Onazi also reminded the squad of the responsibility that comes with representing Nigeria on the continental stage.

“Give your all to the team and remember that you are representing the whole of Nigeria. More than 200 million people are looking up to you. Just do your best and leave everything on the pitch,” he added.

The Super Eagles have been drawn in Group C alongside Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uganda. Nigeria will begin their AFCON 2025 campaign against Tanzania’s Taifa Stars on Tuesday, December 23, in Fez, as they look to make a strong start in their bid for continental glory.