AFCON: Troost-Ekong makes clear Nigeria ambitions in Morocco

Nigeria captain William Troost-Ekong has made it clear their intentions is to lift the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) trophy in Morocco.

The Al-Kholood centre-back has insisted the Super Eagles have set the bar high to have a successfully campaign after the setback from the previous editing where they were beaten in the final.

During the 2023 edition, the Elephants secured a 2-1 win against Nigeria to win their third AFCON. Nigeria’s last AFCON triumph came in 2013 when Sunday Mba scored a magnificent winner for the third AFCON title – their first since 1994.

Nigeria ready to win AFCON in Morocco

“The team is excited. This year has been quite tough with all the qualification games, but it’s been amazing to end the group with a positive note and, of course, the playoffs we’re heading into in Morocco before AFCON,” the defender told CAFOnline.com.

“Last AFCON left a lasting impression for all of us. I feel like this group is really excited to have another chance to try and win the trophy.”

Asked whether Nigeria have what it takes to improve from the final defeat against Ivory Coast, he said: “That’s the only goal. We learned so much from the last AFCON final.

“Looking back, Côte d’Ivoire were the better team on the day, but we gained experience—some of our players were in a first major final for their nation. Now the target is to get there again, use that experience, reach the latter stages and know what to do to go all the way, hopefully.”

Nigeria will start campaign against Tanzania

Discusing Nigeria group, which comprises Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania, he replied: “Difficult. Tunisia knocked us out in the 2021 round of 16 and beat many in World Cup qualifying without conceding.

“They’re high in confidence. Tanzania and Uganda are also tough—we’ve faced them in several qualifiers. There’s no “cruise” at AFCON. We want top spot to help the next round, but no one in our camp thinks this group is easy.”

He concluded: “I think that’s overstated. We’ve got an amazing squad—too many players to name—but objectively, Morocco are at home and in great form; Côte d’Ivoire are defending champions; Senegal,… there’s no such thing as a clear favourite at AFCON.

“Last time, not many tipped us to go that far. You can’t win a tournament with expectations, and we won’t get complacent. AFCON is difficult, and strong teams can emerge from unexpected places. We trust ourselves, but I wouldn’t say we’re clear favourites.”

Nigeria will kick off their campaign against Tanzania on December 23.

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