‘We are here to win AFCON’ — Super Eagles star Onuachu reaffirms Nigeria's goals ahead of Tunisia clash

Nigeria forward Paul Onuachu has reiterated the Super Eagles’ ambition at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, insisting the team arrived in Morocco with one clear objective: to lift the trophy.

Ahead of a decisive Group C clash against Tunisia, the striker stressed the importance of focus, quality, and taking each game as it comes.

Speaking ahead of the encounter in a media parlay, Onuachu highlighted the significance of the match, describing it as a defining moment in Nigeria’s group campaign.

According to the towering forward, the outcome will determine whether the Super Eagles finish top of the group or settle for second place.

“Tomorrow will determine if we’re going to take the first place or come second. Tomorrow is very important,” Onuachu said. “Nigeria is a big country, Tunisia is also a football nation, but we have good players and a good squad to really take it to the next level.”

The former Genk striker also backed Nigeria to be considered among the tournament favourites, pointing to the depth and experience within the squad. “I think so, because the quality of players we have playing in European top competition, I think we have good players to really stand out,” he added.

‘We are here to win AFCON’ — but focus remains game by game

While acknowledging the strength of other contenders at AFCON 2025, Onuachu made it clear that Nigeria’s ambition has never been in doubt. However, he cautioned against getting carried away too early in the competition.

“I think there are a lot of strong teams,” he explained. “Already coming here, we have it at the back of our mind that we are here to win the AFCON, but we have to take one game at a time.”

Nigeria began their campaign with a 2-1 victory over Tanzania, with Onuachu featuring in the second half of that game.

The Super Eagles now face Tunisia again on December 27 at 21:00 WAT, knowing that a positive result would secure qualification to the round of 16 and potentially confirm their status as group leaders.