By Rasheed Adewuyi, New York
Former Nigeria international, Godwin Okpara, has backed the Super Eagles to lift the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) trophy in Morocco, expressing confidence in the team’s quality and potential.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Jersey Number 12 on Friday, Okpara stated that Nigeria has what it takes to go all the way, but warned that success will hinge on consistency and smarter game management.
“I think it is our time to win the AFCON again,” the former Strasbourg FC defender said. “If we can win the remaining four games, we’ll be champions of Africa.”
Nigeria faces Mozambique on Monday in the Round of 16, a clash Okpara believes will be a defining test of the team’s readiness to challenge for the title.
“I’m satisfied with their group stage performance, but not completely. My concern is the game management, especially in the last fifteen minutes of matches,” he explained.
Okpara stressed the importance of ball retention and warned against the common tendency to drop off after gaining a lead.
“If you start defending after scoring three goals, you give your opponents a reason to attack. Look at Germany—they play forward from start to finish, no matter the scoreline,” he noted.
The Super Eagles have come under criticism for conceding late goals during the group stage—a trend that has raised concerns among fans and former players alike, as Nigeria heads into the knockout phase.
The 2025 AFCON Round of 16 kicks off today, with Nigeria’s clash against Mozambique set for Monday at the Complexe Sportif de Fès.
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