Nigeria will win 2025 AFCON, says goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali

Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali says the Super Eagles are determined to mount a strong push for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title in Morocco, insisting the team has what it takes to end their wait for continental glory.

The Chippa United shot-stopper was part of the side that reached the AFCON final in Ivory Coast earlier this year, where Nigeria fell 2-1 to the hosts in a tense decider.

Reflecting on that near miss, Nwabali believes the experience has fuelled fresh ambition ahead of the next tournament.

“We are a big nation, so going into a major competition like this takes a lot. The African Cup of Nations is one of the biggest tournaments in the world, not only in Africa,” he told Sports247.

“That’s why, as a big nation, Nigeria always expects to win it, not just to go there and participate. However, football is not something you can easily predict.

“Notwithstanding, since we played in the final last year, I feel that probably this time we are going to win it,” he added.

Nigeria have been placed in Group C for the 2025 edition, where they will face Tunisia, Tanzania and Uganda. The tournament is scheduled to begin in December.