We’ll Bring It Home’: Nwabali Confident Super Eagles Will Win 2025 AFCON in Morocco

Excerpt:

• Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali says Nigeria has learned from past mistakes and is ready to win the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, insisting the team’s focus is not just participation but victory.

Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has expressed confidence that Nigeria will lift the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) trophy in Morocco, saying the team has matured from its near miss at the last edition.

Speaking on SuperSport TV, the Chippa United shot-stopper said Nigerians should expect more than just participation from the team, as the fans’ expectations remain firmly on bringing the trophy back home.

“AFCON is one of the biggest tournaments in the world, not just in Africa,” Nwabali said. “As a big nation, we are always expected to win, not just to participate.”

The 2025 AFCON will take place in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.

Nwabali, who was one of Nigeria’s standout players at the 2023 AFCON in Ivory Coast, said the team’s experience from last year’s 2–1 loss to hosts Ivory Coast in the final has strengthened their determination.

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“Playing the final last year, I feel this year we are going to win it,” he added confidently.

Nigeria last won the AFCON in 2013 under the late coach Stephen Keshi, following previous triumphs in 1980 and 1994.

Nwabali became the first-choice goalkeeper after his heroics in Ivory Coast, earning praise for his composure and crucial saves. However, he has recently faced criticism from fans over time-wasting and avoidable bookings during 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Before the AFCON, Nwabali and his teammates will focus on the World Cup qualifying campaign, as Nigeria prepares for the African playoffs beginning next week.

Meanwhile, coach Finidi George (or the national coach at that time, update pending official announcement) is expected to name his provisional squad soon, with Maduka Okoye of Udinese likely to challenge Nwabali for the number-one spot.