Former Nigerian goalkeeper Ike Shorunmu has called on the NFF to start preparations early ahead of next month’s AFCON tournament, SportPremi reports.
The Super Eagles will participate in the 2025 African Cup of Nations in Morocco, which is scheduled to hold from the 21st of December.
Nigeria failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup earlier this week, after suffering a penalty shootout defeat to the Democratic Republic of Congo in the CAF playoff final.
Both sides finished as part of the four best-placed runners-up following the conclusion of the group stages as well as Gabon and Cameroon.
Eric Chelle’s Nigeria eliminated Gabon in their playoff first round tie, while DR Congo overpowered Cameroon in the other clash.
The Leopards have now advanced to the intercontinental playoffs which will take place in March 2026, where they will face the winner of the tie between New Caledonia and Jamaica for a spot at next year’s World Cup.
Shorunmu calls for early AFCON planning
Nigeria’s poor preparations towards previous tournaments have always taken its toll on the team’s performance with early exits.
To address this, former Super Eagles goalkeeper Ike Shorunmu has urged the NFF to commence proper preparations to ensure positive results.
“As for the Super Eagles, we all felt it. Nobody is happy. All we can say is that we move on, but I hope everyone has learnt their lessons.
It is unfortunate we are where we are at the moment, and I understand the anger and frustrations of Nigerians because I feel the same too. A lot did not go well in the game against Congo”, the 36-cap goalkeeper stated.
“I hope the NFF will think ahead of time and come up with a solid plan for the team, starting with the Africa Cup of Nations. What has happened is gone now, and we have to start thinking of the way forward for Nigerian football.
The AFCON is just around the corner, and it is important that we start preparations early and get everything right. I am sure the players understand how Nigerians feel now and will want to make amends at the Nations Cup”, he concluded.
When is the AFCON 2025 starting?
The 2025 edition of the African Cup of Nations will commence on the 21st of December, with a clash between host country Morocco and Comoros.
The Super Eagles have been placed in group C and will kickstart their campaign against Tanzania on the 23rd of December.
Nigeria will then face Tunisia on the 27th and conclude their group stage matches against Uganda three days later.
All eyes will be on how Eric Chelle’s men respond to their World Cup disappointment, as they look to go one step better than their silver medal finish in 2024.
