Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi has expressed confidence in Nigeria’s preparedness and mindset ahead of their opening Group C fixture against Tanzania at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
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Nigeria go into the encounter with a strong pedigree at the continental showpiece, having suffered just one defeat in their last 14 AFCON group-stage matches, a run that includes 10 wins and three draws.
The Super Eagles have also remained unbeaten in their opening match in each of the last three AFCON tournaments.
Tanzania, on the other hand, are making only their fourth appearance at the Africa Cup of Nations. The Taifa Stars are yet to register a victory at the finals, enduring a 10-match winless run and losing all three of their previous opening games.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Ndidi highlighted the positive atmosphere in the Nigerian camp and stressed the importance of setting the tone early in the competition.
“The spirit in the camp is very high, we’re very energised. This game is very important for us, it’s the game that sets the momentum. The guys are ready, everyone is ready, from the players to the staff, everyone is focused on this game,” Ndidi said.
Recently confirmed as Nigeria’s new captain following the international retirement of William Troost-Ekong, the Besiktas midfielder played down any pressure associated with the role, insisting he feels well supported within the squad.
“To be honest, there’s no pressure. We’ve got senior players in the team helping out, with the help of the coach and staffs. I’ve been here learning from the former captain Troost-Ekong so there’s no pressure at all,” he added.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s runners-up finish at the last AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire, Ndidi believes the experience has strengthened the team’s resolve going into the Morocco tournament.
“There are lots of lessons learnt from the previous AFCON in Cote D’Ivoire. We set the standard getting to the final, but unfortunately we couldn’t get the trophy. We cannot go below that. The standards are already high so the team is ready for that. This is an opportunity for us,” he said.
Despite Nigeria being widely regarded as favourites against Tanzania, Ndidi cautioned against complacency, stressing that every team at the tournament deserves respect.
“Every country that has qualified for the AFCON cannot be underrated. They’re capable of competing for the trophy. We as Nigerians are here to contend, not just to compete,” he noted.
Ndidi also spoke about the motivation driving the squad as they pursue a fourth AFCON title for Nigeria, pointing to the collective hunger within the team and the expectations of Nigerians back home.
“The inspiration comes from the team and from Nigerians, what we’ve gone through before and what we’re expecting now. The inspiration is what we have at hand and what we’re going to do. We’re focused on this AFCON, and we’ll see what is next,” he concluded.
The Super Eagles will face Tanzania at the Complexe Sportif de Fès at 6:30pm on Tuesday. Nigeria have never lost to the Taifa Stars in six previous meetings. The other Group C fixture between Tunisia and Uganda will be played later in the evening at the Stade Olympique de Rabat.
