AFCON 2025: 'We came to lift the trophy' - NFF president assures Nigerians

President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau (MON), has made Nigeria’s ambition clear, stressing that the team has been deliberately prepared with one objective in mind to win AFCON.

Nigeria’s quest for a historic fourth Africa Cup of Nations title gathered momentum on Thursday evening as the Super Eagles arrived in Fés, Morocco, ahead of the kickoff of the 35th AFCON finals.

The team touched down aboard a chartered flight from their final training base in Cairo.

With the tournament set to begin on Sunday, the atmosphere around the Super Eagles’ camp reflects both quiet determination and a sense of unfinished business, following the painful failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

According to the NFF president, success in Morocco would not only heal recent wounds but also define the current generation of Super Eagles.

He said, "We have prepared the team, intending to lift the trophy. The FIFA World Cup miss still bites, but if we can 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.”

“It will also be good for the present generation of Super Eagles as they will have at least one major triumph to their name,” he added.

Beyond the action on the pitch, Gusau highlighted the federation’s commitment to maintaining top professional standards, particularly in player welfare, despite economic constraints.

“It has not been easy, but we have to continue to appreciate and show that we value the contributions of the players and officials at all times.

“They have to travel and lodge in convenience, and that is something we must always find a way to work out despite the challenges that the Federation faces,” he explained.

As the Super Eagles settle into Fés, confidence remains high within the NFF hierarchy. Gusau expressed a strong belief in the technical crew and the players’ ability to rise to the occasion.

“I have confidence in the coaches and the players that we have to turn the present gloom around and make Nigeria proud in Morocco,” he said.

Nigeria heads into AFCON 2025 carrying emotional weight. Despite boasting one of Africa’s most talented squads, the Super Eagles endured a disappointing World Cup qualification campaign, leaving fans frustrated and hungry for redemption.

AFCON now presents an opportunity to reset the narrative. For a nation that has lifted the trophy in 1980, 1994, and 2013, the challenge in Morocco is about restoring pride and reaffirming Nigeria’s status among Africa’s elite.

The chartered flight, quality accommodation, and smooth logistics underline an administration keen to eliminate distractions and allow the players focus solely on football.