Former Nigerian international Dimeji Lawal has stressed that the Super Eagles must start strongly against Tanzania in their opening fixture if they are to have any real chance of progressing far at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, SportPremi reports.
Nigeria face Tanzania in their opening match of the 2025 African Cup of Nations tournament in Morocco on the 23rd, eyeing a perfect start ahead of their remaining group games.
The three time champions will also face Tunisia and Uganda in group C of the tournament, with the top two sides assured of an automatic spot in the knockout stages, while the third placed side also stand a chance of progressing.
Head coach Eric Chelle named a strong 28-man squad for the tournament, although several members of the squad are absent.
The likes of Maduka Okoye, Tolu Arokodare, Christantus Uche and Kelechi Iheanacho were left out of the final squad, while Ola Aina, Victor Boniface and Benjamin Fredrick miss out due to injury problems.
Meanwhile, captain William Troost-Ekong announced his retirement few days before the final squad was unveiled, depriving Nigeria much experience in the backline.
The team departed for Fez, Morocco on Thursday, where they will play their group stage matches commencing on the 23rd.
What Dimeji Lawal Said about Nigeria’s AFCON chances
Dimeji Lawal, a multiple-time Nigeria international and a gold medallist at the 1996 Summer Olympics, knows exactly what it takes to compete at a major tournament.
The former Nigerian midfielder has urged the team to make a perfect start in their opening clash, to boost their chances of winning a long-awaited fourth continental crown.
“The 2025 AFCON is just around the corner, and the Super Eagles will be hoping to make the impossible possible at the end of the tournament”, the ex-midfielder revealed.
“However, it’s very important for the team to pick up the three points in their opening game against Tanzania. This will help boost the players’ confidence ahead of their second group game against Tunisia.
“Looking at the players at our disposal, I expect the Super Eagles to overcome Tanzania.”
Nigeria eyes redemption at 2025 AFCON
The Super Eagles have suffered heartbreak in recent times and victory at the 2025 African Cup of Nations would mean redemption to the side.
They failed to reach the 2022 FIFA World Cup, suffering elimination to arch-rivals Ghana in the playoff phase, while they were also defeated in the final of the 2023 AFCON tournament by Ivory Coast.
Another major disappointment followed after defeat in the CAF playoff final for the 2026 FIFA World Cup to the Democratic Republic of Congo last month.
All eyes will be on how the team reacts, as they chase a first continental glory since 2013.
