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NEW
AFCON 2025
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The ex-international's assessment adds another voice to the growing debate over what happened in Morocco for Eric Chelle's bronze medal winners, who many felt possessed the quality to go all the way.
Nigeria legend Julius Aghahowa believes the Super Eagles had the quality and momentum to be crowned African champions following their performance at the AFCON 2025 tournament.
Speaking in a video shared by Brila on X, the former Shakhtar Donetsk and Super Eagles striker praised the team's fighting spirit, suggesting that had they reached the final, the trophy would likely be back in Nigeria.
)
17:23 - 20.01.2026
Eric Chelle: Ex-AFCON hosts attempt to snatch Super Eagles boss after disappointing outing
Super Eagles boss Eric Chelle is a hot commodity in the African coaching market
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06:46 - 20.01.2026
He has done well - Former Super Eagles star praises Eric Chelle
Former Super Eagles midfielder Garba Lawal praised head coach Eric Chelle for introducing an attacking style of play.
The "Culture" of AFCON
Aghahowa, famous for his acrobatic goal celebrations, emphasised that the Africa Cup of Nations transcends professional football. For him, it is a deeply rooted cultural event that carries the weight of national pride.
"The AFCON is not just a tournament for African players who play abroad or back home. It’s our culture," Aghahowa stated. "When you play in the AFCON, you're representing a whole country... it's a very, very strong culture that we want to always go and represent the country's pride."
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Reflecting on the team’s journey through the knockout stages, Aghahowa noted that the Super Eagles’ consistency across the group stage, quarterfinals, and semifinals made them look like potential champions.
"If we had played the final, they would have won the tournament," he insisted. "They would have won the cup because of the way they played throughout... the way they were fighting."
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While the Super Eagles eventually missed out on the final, they secured a third-place finish to claim the bronze medal. Despite the "third-place game" being a difficult fixture to get motivated for, Aghahowa was pleased to see the team's commitment to winning.
Coming home with something
The Super Eagles icon concluded by congratulating the squad on ensuring they didn't leave the tournament empty-handed.
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"At the end of the day they won the bronze medal, which is still quite important because you can't go for a tournament and not come home with something," he said. "So I congratulate them on this tournament."