Former Super Eagles midfielder Friday Ekpo has urged Nigeria to quickly move past the heartbreak of missing the 2026 FIFA World Cup and refocus their energy on the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
With the tournament fast approaching, Ekpo says the team must embrace unity, determination and mental reset if they hope to restore national pride.
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Ekpo believes that organising a few friendly matches ahead of the AFCON would go a long way toward rebuilding team chemistry and giving the players an opportunity to shake off the emotional weight of their World Cup failure. According to him, the psychological recovery is just as important as the tactical preparation.
“They need to reset mentally, and friendly games will help them regain cohesion,” Ekpo said, stressing that this is the moment for the squad to come together and fight with purpose.
The former midfielder also issued a cautionary warning: no team at the AFCON should be underestimated. He noted that the tournament has become more competitive than ever, with every participating country boasting strong talent and the capability to cause major upsets.
“Every nation coming to AFCON has quality. If you underrate anyone, you’ll be punished,” Ekpo warned.
He added that the pressure of having missed two consecutive World Cups should not cripple the team but instead serve as a powerful source of motivation. Ekpo believes that fear must be turned into fire, pushing the players to give everything on the pitch.
“The disappointment should motivate them, not hold them back,” he insisted.
With AFCON looming and expectations high, Ekpo’s message is clear:
Forget the excuses, rebuild the bond, sharpen the mentality — and fight like a team hungry for redemption.
