Former Super Eagles striker Benedict Akwuegbu has thrown his weight behind Nigeria as strong contenders to lift the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) trophy, following the team’s dominant display in Morocco.
Popularly known as the “Austrian Bomber” during his playing days, Akwuegbu made the bold prediction after the Super Eagles sealed their quarterfinal berth with an emphatic 4–0 victory over Mozambique’s Black Mambas on Monday evening.
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Speaking after the match, the ex-international expressed delight with the team’s performance, describing it as a statement of intent and a clear reflection of the Super Eagles’ pedigree.
“This is the kind of commanding performance we expect from the Super Eagles,” Akwuegbu said. “They dominated from start to finish and gave their opponents little or no room to operate. That level of control is very impressive.”
The former striker, who has since transitioned into healthcare and is currently a certified nurse in London, also revealed he is pursuing a Master’s degree at Anglia Ruskin University, UK. Despite his career shift, Akwuegbu remains a keen observer of Nigerian football and believes the current squad has what it takes to go all the way.
“That performance was an emphatic statement,” he added. “If they can sustain this level in the remaining matches, I am tipping them to win the cup.”
Nigeria will face the winner of the quarterfinal clash between Algeria and DR Congo in the race for a place in the semifinals.
The Super Eagles are among several heavyweights already through to the last eight, including hosts Morocco, Senegal, Mali, Egypt, and Cameroon. The remaining two quarterfinal slots are set to be decided on Tuesday, with Côte d’Ivoire taking on Burkina Faso, while Algeria battle DR Congo.
With confidence growing around the Nigerian camp, Akwuegbu’s endorsement adds to the belief that the Super Eagles may be poised for another continental triumph if their momentum continues.
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