President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau (MON), has expressed strong confidence in the Super Eagles’ ability to deliver success at the 35th Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals in Morocco, declaring that the team has been fully prepared with the ultimate objective of lifting the trophy.

 

Speaking ahead of the tournament, Gusau acknowledged the lingering disappointment of Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the FIFA World Cup but emphasized that continental glory would go a long way in healing the pain felt by fans at home and in the diaspora.

 

“We have prepared the team with the objective of lifting the trophy. The FIFA World Cup miss still bites, but if we are able to 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, and it will also be good for the present generation of Super Eagles as they will have at least one major triumph to their name,” Gusau said.

 

The NFF President also highlighted the federation’s commitment to providing top-class logistics for the team, despite prevailing global economic challenges. According to him, ensuring comfort in travel, accommodation and general welfare remains a priority.

 

“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 added.

 

Gusau further expressed belief in the technical crew and players to reverse the current gloom surrounding Nigerian football and restore national pride. “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 stated.

 

The AFCON finals kick off on Sunday in the Kingdom of Morocco. Three-time champions Nigeria — winners on home soil in 1980, in Tunisia in 1994 and South Africa in 2013 — will begin their quest for a fourth title against Tanzania’s Taifa Stars on Tuesday in the historic city of Fés.

 

The Super Eagles head into the competition with added motivation to make amends for missing out on next year’s FIFA World Cup finals. The recent retirement of long-serving defender William Troost-Ekong has also led to a leadership reshuffle, with midfield general Wilfred Ndidi expected to take over the captain’s armband. Veterans Simon Moses and Alex Iwobi, alongside star striker Victor Osimhen, are in line to serve as vice-captains.

 

The tournament will open with a colourful ceremony on Sunday at the iconic Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat, featuring global music star Davido, before hosts Morocco face Comoros in the opening match. The Atlas Lions will be eager to continue their impressive run in international football in front of home fans.

 

Nigeria’s group campaign also includes clashes with Tunisia on Saturday, 27 December, and Uganda on Tuesday, 30 December. Tunisia, appearing in their 17th consecutive AFCON and 21st overall, remain one of Africa’s most consistent sides, while Uganda’s Cranes have historically posed stern challenges for the Super Eagles.

 

Head coach Eric Chelle summed up the expectations surrounding the team in comments to CAFOnline.com last month: “When you coach Nigeria, you have to win everything.” It is a reality he now faces as he leads the Eagles into the Moroccan campaign.

 

On paper, Nigeria — with 104 matches across 20 previous AFCON appearances — are expected to navigate the group stage successfully in Fés. Beyond that, the Super Eagles will look to take the competition one game at a time as they chase continental glory and a chance to make their fans dream again.