Former Super Eagles goalkeeper Greg Etafia has praised Nigeria’s 3–1 victory over Uganda but expressed concern over the team’s tendency to lose intensity towards the closing stages of matches at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
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Speaking after the Group C encounter in Fès, Etafia acknowledged Nigeria’s dominance and attacking quality but warned that easing off late in games could be costly as the tournament enters the knockout phase.
“It was a good win, and the team deserves credit,” Etafia said. “But my worry is how the team drops off towards the end of matches.”
Despite Nigeria taking a commanding lead through goals from Paul Onuachu and Raphael Onyedika, the former goalkeeper noted that Uganda were still able to find a late goal, something he believes reflects lapses in concentration.
“When you’re leading comfortably, you should be able to manage the game better,” he added. “At AFCON, those moments matter.”
Etafia stressed that knockout football demands sustained focus from the first minute to the last whistle, warning that stronger opponents will punish any relaxation.
“In the knockout stage, you can’t afford to switch off,” he said. “Teams will take advantage, and you may not recover.”
While commending the Super Eagles for finishing the group stage with a perfect record, Etafia urged the technical crew to address game management and mentality in the final phases of matches.
“They need to finish games strongly,” he emphasized. “That’s how you win tournaments.”
Nigeria topped Group C with nine points and will now face a third-placed team from Group F in the Round of 16. For Etafia, maintaining intensity throughout the full 90 minutes will be crucial if the Super Eagles are to progress deep into AFCON 2025.
