Former Super Eagles midfielder Femi Ajilore has warned that the pressure awaiting Nigeria at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco (21 Dec 2025 – 18 Jan 2026) will be unlike anything the players have ever experienced, urging them to prepare mentally and physically for a tournament carrying massive expectations.
Ajilore, a member of the historic 2013 AFCON-winning squad, said the combination of Nigeria’s recent failures, missing two consecutive World Cups, and the hunger of millions of fans means the weight on the players’ shoulders will be immense.
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“The pressure at this AFCON will be like nothing they’ve witnessed before. They must get ready,” he warned.
He stressed that the first step towards proper preparation is early arrival to camp, insisting that Nigeria’s bad habit of late preparations must end if the team hopes to mount a serious title challenge in Morocco.
“Players must arrive camp early. We need proper preparation this time. No last-minute attitude. AFCON is too big for that,” Ajilore said.
The former midfielder explained that early arrivals help the coaching staff perfect tactics, assess fitness levels, test combinations, and build chemistry, all of which are essential for a successful tournament.
“When players come early, you build understanding, organisation, and team spirit. These things don’t happen overnight,” he added.
Ajilore believes Nigeria has the quality to win AFCON, but only if discipline, commitment, and professionalism guide the build-up.
He cautioned players against allowing club distractions or travel delays to affect their reporting time, noting that small details often determine success or failure in major competitions.
“This tournament will demand total focus. Every detail matters, timing, attitude, mentality, everything,” he said.
Ajilore also urged the coaching crew to set firm standards and avoid compromising on discipline, adding that the national team must operate with the seriousness of a title-chasing unit.
“We must act like a team that wants to win. Preparation is the foundation of success,” he emphasised.
He concluded with a clear message to both players and officials: “AFCON 2025 is huge for Nigeria. If we want to win, the work must start now, not one week before.”
