Nigeria legend Babangida charges Super Eagles to redeem image with AFCON glory after World Cup setback

Nigeria football legend Tijani Babangida says winning the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations tournament can help redeem the image of Nigeria football following 2026 World Cup heartbreak.

The West African football heavyweights missed out on the mundial after a dramatic 4–3 penalty shootout loss to the Democratic Republic of Congo in the African playoffs last month.

Following the back-to-back World Cup setback, the former Nigeria international has tasked the team to secure the impending AFCON to appease fans.

Babangida, speaking in an interview with Tribal Football, expressed disappointment in the Super Eagles World Cup qualification setback, stressing the team has an opportunity to redeem themselves with AFCON glory.

“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,” Tijani Babangida

He added that the upcoming AFCON presents a perfect chance for the Super Eagles to restore pride and rebuild trust with supporters.

“However, the next target is the AFCON tournament, which can be used to redeem the image of Nigeria football.”

Nigeria’s AFCON 2025 campaign begins on Tuesday, 23 December, when they take on the Taifa Stars of Tanzania in Fez, Morocco.