Former Nigeria international, Mutiu Adepoju has said the Super Eagles must make winning the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) a priority.
The Eagles have not won the AFCON since 2013, and they could only finish as runners up this year in Ivory Coast.
However, they have started well in the race to reach the next tournament to be hosted in Morocco in December 2025.
Adepoju referenced how Nigeria went close to lifting the continental title on two occasions before eventually winning it during his time.
The 53-year-old stressed that since the Eagles lost in the final of the last AFCON, it is time to go a step further after 11 years of attempting to win it again.
“I believe it is possible if we continue well and do things correctly. When we won the AFCON in 1994, we had two AFCONS before then.
“We got to the final in 1990 and in 1992, we won bronze. Then going to AFCON in 1994, we went there to win it.
“So, we at that time that we were supposed to go for it because we had gotten near to it in two previous AFCONS, so I believe this time around, what we have to do is to go all the way to go and win because since 2013, we have not won AFCON. We just have to go all the way for it,” he said.
Unlike in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, the Super Eagles have been impressive in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers so far. Nigeria recorded 3-0 victory over Benin Republic at home in Uyo and played 0-0 against Rwanda in Kigali.
Adepoju said the players performed well in the two matches because they did not want to disappoint Nigerians again.
“Well, I wouldn’t know, I wouldn’t know. Probably at that moment, they didn’t have the opportunity and all that,” he stated on what could be the reason for the contrasting results in the World Cup and AFCON qualifiers.
“I believe everybody knows what is at stake and shouldn’t fail. I mean Nigerians are expecting much from them. I believe that made them to understand and see the reason why have to fight and play very well and win the games.”
