Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has expressed optimism about Nigeria’s chances of winning the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, saying that fans expect the squad to not only compete but also win the trophy.
The 2025 AFCON will take place in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.
Nwabali, who made his national team debut as one of Nigeria’s top players at the 2023 tournament in Ivory Coast, believes the team has learned significant lessons from their run to the final last year.
“AFCON is one of the biggest tournaments in the world, not just in Africa,” Nwabali said while featuring on SuperSport TV.
“As a big nation, we are always expected to win, not just to participate.”
Nigeria lost last year’s final 2-1 to hosts Ivory Coast, but the Chippa United goalkeeper believes the experience has increased the squad’s will ahead of the 2025 event in Morocco.
“Playing the final last year, I feel this year we are going to win it,” he added.
Nigeria last won the AFCON in 2013 under late coach Stephen Keshi, following victories in 1980 and 1994.
Nwabali’s exploits between the posts in Ivory Coast garnered him considerable acclaim, and he became the country’s first-choice goalkeeper.
However, he has recently been under fire from Nigerians for blunders, excessive antics, and time wasting, which resulted in unwarranted bookings and nearly cost the country the 2026 World Cup qualification series.
Before the AFCON, Nwabali and his teammates face a long road to qualifying for the World Cup, which is scheduled for the United States, Canada, and Mexico, as they compete in the African playoffs next week.
As coach Eric Chelle pares down his roster for the playoffs and, subsequently, the AFCON, Nwabali is anticipated to be challenged in goal by Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, who is returning to the team.
