Yobo confident Super Eagles can win 2025 AFCON title

Former Super Eagles captain Joseph Yobo has expressed confidence in Nigeria’s chances of winning their fourth Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title at the 2025 edition of the tournament, following the group stage draw held in Rabat, Morocco.

The Super Eagles were placed in Group C of the 2025 AFCON alongside 2004 champions Tunisia, as well as East African teams Uganda and Tanzania, the co-hosts of the 2027 AFCON.

The 2025 AFCON, set to run from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, in Morocco, promises an exciting showcase of football as 24 nations compete for continental glory.

Reflecting on the draw and Nigeria’s rich history in the competition, Yobo, a key member of the Super Eagles squad that won the 2013 AFCON, was optimistic about Nigeria’s chances of winning their fourth AFCON.
“We have a good young crop and a new generation of players who have been together for a long time, so I don’t think understanding is an issue for them,” Yobo said. “Looking at the group, it’s never going to be easy, but knowing the Super Eagles, coming out of the group is never a problem.”

Nigeria boasts an impressive AFCON record, having earned 16 medals from 20 tournament appearances. The Super Eagles have won the title three times (1980, 1994, and 2013) and finished as runners-up five times, alongside eight bronze medal finishes.

The team narrowly missed a fourth title in 2023, losing 2-1 to Côte d’Ivoire in the final.

Yobo, who assisted during Monday’s draw, emphasised that the focus should go beyond progressing from the group stage. “I hope that we start very well and take that momentum to the final. We are building on our last performance at 2023 AFCON, and it’s about time we get our hands on the trophy again. I think we have the players and a wonderful new coach to achieve that.”

Group C’s toughest opponent, Tunisia, poses a significant challenge. The North Africans, who have one AFCON title from 21 appearances, famously eliminated Nigeria in the 2021 Round of 16. Uganda, making their eighth AFCON appearance, and Tanzania, competing for the fourth time, will also look to upset the Super Eagles.

However, Yobo remains confident, citing Nigeria’s depth and recent improvements under their new coach. “We have a very good team, and the players are improving. It’s all about carrying that energy from the group stages and maintaining momentum,” he noted.