After a challenging period following their 2013 Africa Cup of Nations triumph in South Africa, Nigeria is back on the continental stage for the 2019 AFCON with a promising generation of talented young players. The Super Eagles, who missed out on qualification for the 2015 and 2017 editions, aim to reassert themselves as one of Africa’s premier footballing nations.
Nigeria is making its 18th appearance in the tournament and will be looking to leave a strong mark. With three previous AFCON titles—in 1980, 1994, and 2013—the team is eager to secure a fourth star and reestablish its dominance on the continent. The qualification campaign showcased the team’s strength, as Nigeria topped Group E with 13 points, finishing ahead of South Africa, Libya, and the Seychelles. This commanding performance highlighted the team’s balance, attacking firepower, and defensive stability.
Coach Gernot Rohr will have his captain, John Mikel Obi, available for the tournament. Obi, who had taken a break from international football following the World Cup, returns to provide leadership and experience in the midfield. While Kelechi Iheanacho has been left out of the squad, young Arsenal forward Alex Iwobi is expected to play a pivotal role in Nigeria’s attacking plans. The squad also features Odion Ighalo, the Shanghai Shenhua striker who contributed seven goals during the AFCON 2019 qualifiers, adding firepower to the frontline.
Placed in Group B for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, Nigeria will face Burundi, Madagascar, and Guinea in the opening stage. The Super Eagles will begin their campaign against Burundi on Saturday, June 22nd, at 5 PM GMT. This first match is crucial for setting the tone of the tournament, and Nigeria will be eager to assert their quality and experience against a developing Burundi side.
The squad combines youth and experience, blending dynamic young talents like Iwobi with seasoned campaigners such as Mikel Obi. This mixture is intended to provide both creativity and stability, with the team aiming to compete at the highest level throughout the tournament. Nigeria’s preparations suggest a squad ready to challenge for the title and restore the nation’s pride in African football.
With strong leadership, talented attackers, and a history of success, Nigeria enters AFCON 2019 confident in its ability to compete. The Super Eagles aim not only to navigate the group stage successfully but also to contend for the knockout rounds, with the ultimate goal of claiming their fourth AFCON title. The combination of experience, emerging talent, and a determined coaching staff makes Nigeria a team to watch in Egypt.
