'Just like 2013' - Onazi backs Super Eagles to lift AFCON trophy

Former Nigeria international, Ogenyi Onazi, believes the current squad has the quality to win the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Doubts about the team's prospects grew following their failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and Head Coach Eric Chelle's decision to drop key players in his final squad for the tournament.

Eric Chelle's 28-man squad has sparked criticism, with many even going as far as suggesting the NFF pressured the coach to pick certain players.

There is a belief that the team is lacking in certain areas, especially in goal, where Udinese shot-stopper Maduka Okoye was left out.

The final squad was trimmed down from an initial 55-man provisional list, with several notable omissions. Players such as Christantus Uche, Maduka Okoye, and Tolu Arokodare were left out, while several new faces have been handed opportunities to earn their first international caps.

Ignoring the pessimism, the former Lazio star is fully supporting the team. Onazi stated, “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.”

Nigeria's Super Eagles have been placed in a competitive Group B for the AFCON 2025 tournament, alongside Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uganda.