President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, has set a bold and unmistakable target for Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle, declaring that Nigeria must reach the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
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With AFCON kicking off later this month, Gusau said anything short of another appearance in the final would fall below expectations, especially after Nigeria finished runners-up at the last edition.
“We were in the final last time, so we believe this team has what it takes to reach another final,” Gusau stated.
The Zamfara State-born football administrator explained that the benchmark has been deliberately raised, stressing that the Super Eagles are no longer rebuilding but expected to consistently challenge for continental honours.
“This is not a team starting from scratch. The quality is there, the experience is there, and the expectations are clear,” he added.
Gusau acknowledged the disappointment surrounding Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup but insisted that AFCON presents a major opportunity to reconnect the team with the Nigerian public.
“By the end of this tournament, Nigerians must believe in the Super Eagles again. That confidence must be restored through performance and results,” he said.
The NFF president revealed that the federation has provided the technical crew with the necessary support to prepare adequately, while also urging unity and focus within the squad.
“The coach has our backing, the players have what they need, and now it is time to deliver on the pitch,” Gusau noted.
He stressed that reaching the final is not about pressure but about matching Nigeria’s football identity and history.
“Nigeria is a football nation. We go to AFCON to compete for the trophy, not just to participate,” he said.
Gusau also appealed to fans to rally behind the team despite recent frustrations.
“Support is crucial. When the team feels the backing of the nation, they rise to the occasion,” he concluded.
As the Super Eagles prepare to land in Morocco, the message from the top is crystal clear: reach the AFCON final and bring Nigeria back to believing again.
