Former Super Eagles captain John Mikel Obi has tipped Nigeria to win the 2025 AFCON, citing squad quality and experience
Former Super Eagles captain John Mikel Obi has backed Nigeria to win the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, expressing strong belief in the team’s quality and ambition.
Mikel made the declaration on Tuesday via the X page of The Obi One Podcast, insisting the Super Eagles have what it takes to reclaim the continental title for the first time since 2013.
Responding to a question on Nigeria’s prospects, the former Chelsea midfielder said he expects the team to go all the way.
“How far do you think Nigeria will go? For me, I think we are going all the way and this time, we are winning it,” Mikel said.
His comments came shortly before Nigeria opened their Group C campaign with a 2–1 victory over Tanzania’s Taifa Stars at the Fez Stadium in Morocco.
The win provided early momentum for the Super Eagles as they pursue a fourth AFCON title, having previously lifted the trophy in 1980, 1994 and 2013.
Nigeria will face Tunisia on Saturday before concluding their group fixtures against Uganda on Tuesday.
Team captain Wilfred Ndidi echoed Mikel’s confidence, stressing that the runners-up finish at the last AFCON has set a benchmark the current squad must meet or exceed.
“A lot of lessons were learnt in the previous AFCON and we set the standard by getting to the final,” Ndidi said. “We could not win it, but we cannot go below that level.”
Ndidi added that Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has sharpened the team’s focus in Morocco.
The Super Eagles finished second at the 2023 AFCON, losing 2–1 to the host nation in the final under former coach José Peseiro.
Now under the guidance of Franco-Malian coach Eric Chelle, the three-time champions are determined to end a 12-year title drought and restore Nigeria’s status at the summit of African football.
