AFCON 2025: Morocco's experience will help Super Eagles - Semi Ajayi

Super Eagles defender Semi Ajayi believes Nigeria’s exposure to playing conditions in Morocco will work strongly in the team’s favour as they chase glory at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Nigeria returns to the North African country for the continental showpiece after previously featuring there during the World Cup qualifying playoffs.

Although the Super Eagles narrowly missed out on a World Cup ticket, Ajayi insists the experience gained will be invaluable during the tournament.

Speaking after a training session, the centre-back highlighted how familiarity with the environment could prove decisive as the competition progresses.

“A lot of the squad have experience playing in Morocco, and I’m sure that will be in our favour. Those are experiences that we can call upon later in the tournament,” he said via Complete Sports.

The Super Eagles have been drawn into Group C, where they will face Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania. Nigeria will open their campaign against Tanzania on Tuesday, December 23, in Fes.

Nigeria, three-time African champions, are aiming to lift their fourth AFCON trophy and improve on their impressive run at the 2023 edition, where they finished as runners-up.

Ajayi made it clear that the squad is determined to go one step further this time around.

He explained, The aim is to go one step further than last time. Last time, we had an amazing campaign but unfortunately fell short in the final. This time, we aim to go one step further, so that’s what we are putting our efforts and energy towards.”