Oluwatosin Enesi
It will be recalled that the Super Eagles of Nigeria have been drawn against Tunisia, Uganda and Tanzania in Group C for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
The AFCON group stage draw was held at Mohamed V National Theatre in Casablanca on Monday.
The African countries were divided into six groups of four teams to battle for the preliminary stage of the competition.
The top two teams from each group will automatically qualify for the knockout. The best four third-placed teams will also get second-round slots.
The Super Eagles will play Tunisia for the first time since the Carthage Eagles defeated Nigeria in the second round of AFCON held in Cameroon in 2022.
Nigeria last faced Uganda at the AFCON in the semi-final of the 1978 edition, and the Eagles lost 2-1.
Tanzania was the first team Nigeria defeated en route to the country’s first-ever AFCON title. The Eagles trounced the East African 3-1 in the competition’s opening match.
Reacting to the draw that pitted Nigeria against Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania in Group C, Gusau said that the draw was fair to the Super Eagles.
“It is not a bad group, as I am optimistic that we will lead the group at AFCON 2025,” he said.
Gusau said that his confidence stems from the team’s recent performances and the progress made under the current coaching crew.
He said he believed that with adequate preparation and teamwork, the Super Eagles can navigate the group stage successfully.
The NFF President also acknowledged the importance of the tournament, emphasising that the federation would provide all necessary support to ensure the team’s success.
“We will do everything possible to ensure that the Super Eagles are well-prepared for the tournament.
“We are confident that they will make Nigeria proud,” Gusau said.
It will be recalled that Nigeria’s Super Eagles finished as runners-up at the last AFCON 2023 in Cote d’Ivoire, losing 2-1 to the host in the final.
With the AFCON 2025 tournament drawing near, Nigerian football fans will be eagerly watching the team’s progress, hoping that the team can go one step better this time to win the trophy.
Victory for Nigeria would see the Super Eagles lift the prestigious trophy for a fourth time in the history of the tournament and end a 12-year wait.
The 35th AFCON is scheduled to kick off in Morocco on December 21, 2025, till January 18, 2026.
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