Babangida challenges Nigeria to redeem themselves at AFCON

Former Nigeria international Tijani Babangida has called on the Super Eagles to use the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to redeem themselves after they missed out on qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Super Eagles could not clinch one of the 48 places at the expanded 2026 finals after being beaten on penalties by DR Congo in Africa’s play-off final. Nigeria were drawn alongside South Africa, Benin, Zimbabwe, Rwanda and Lesotho in Group C, and squeezed into the play-offs despite being top seeds.

However, coming up against the Leopards after seeing off Gabon 4-1, Nigeria were not able to progress. Ahead of the AFCON, Babangida, who played an important role in his team’s Olympic triumph in Atlanta in 1996, believes AFCON in Morocco presents Nigeria with an opportunity to make amends.

‘I see Nigeria playing in the final’

“I think that after the unfortunate experience of missing the FIFA World Cup back to back, it is still very painful to digest this reality,” said Babangida as quoted by Tribal Football.

“However, the next target is the AFCON tournament, which can be used to redeem the image of Nigeria football. For NFF, the players and football stakeholders, all we have now is the AFCON. So, we have to do everything we can to win the tournament.

“The tournament will not be easy, all the major African teams that qualified for the 2026 World Cup are also there, but the Super Eagles may surprise the world and go all the way.

“I think the team can bring the Cup back to Nigeria after more than 12 years. I see Nigeria playing in the final, at least and anything can happen in cup final. Super Eagles played in the final of the last edition. The team lost to Cote d’Ivoire 2-1.”

He concluded: “If the Super Eagles win the AFCON, I can boldly tell you that the team will be forgiven for the pain of losing the World Cup ticket and this will also send a message that the team only had a rough path during the World Cup qualifiers.

“Winning the AFCON will bring the fans and the players together. It will send the message to the world that Nigeria is the best in Africa and we can use it as a springboard to start the process of qualifying for the 2030 World Cup.”

Nigeria have been drawn in Group C alongside Tanzania, Uganda, and Tunisia.

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