By Rasheed Adewuyi, New York
Former Super Eagles coach Chief Adegboyega Onigbinde has called on Nigeria’s national team and their technical crew to maintain a winning mentality and total focus as they prepare for a high-stakes AFCON 2025 semi-final clash against hosts Morocco on Wednesday in Rabat.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with JerseyNumber12 on Monday, the veteran tactician encouraged the team to remain ambitious and avoid complacency as they seek a place in Sunday’s final.
“I believe it is the ambition of every coach to win every game in this kind of tournament,” Onigbinde said. “I want to believe this is the kind of ambition that has propelled the Super Eagles to this level.”
The former Shooting Stars boss, who led Nigeria to the AFCON 1984 final and the 2002 World Cup, emphasized that the Atlas Lions are beatable, even on home soil, as long as the players remain disciplined and follow tactical instructions.
“I want the team to win, and that’s why I’m advising them to play as a unit,” he added. “I don’t think they will face any obstacle if they work hard and play to their manager’s instructions.”
Onigbinde also urged the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to give full backing to the coaching staff during this crucial phase.
“I don’t know what the coach has requested for, but I think they should allow them to work together and avoid any unnecessary conflict,” he advised.
The Super Eagles will face Morocco in the second semi-final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, with kickoff scheduled for Wednesday night at the Crown Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
A win will see Nigeria advance to bck-to-BAck AFCON final, with sights set on a fourth continental crown.