Former assistant coach of the Super Eagles, Usman Abdallah, has cautioned Nigerians against being overly obsessed with winning the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, urging the country to view the tournament as a critical step in rebuilding the national team for the future.
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Speaking ahead of AFCON, Abdallah acknowledged that Nigeria has the quality to compete for the title but warned that short-term success should not derail long-term planning.
“Winning AFCON is important, but Nigeria should not lose sight of rebuilding a team for the future,” Abdallah said.
He explained that the disappointment of missing out on the 2026 FIFA World Cup should serve as a lesson, not a reason to rush decisions or ignore structural problems within the team.
“We cannot just focus on AFCON alone. We must be thinking about the next World Cup and future tournaments at the same time,” he added.
Abdallah believes the tournament in Morocco offers an opportunity to begin a new process, blending experience with emerging talents, rather than simply chasing immediate glory.
“AFCON should be used to start a rebuilding process. New players must be introduced gradually, and systems must be put in place,” he stated.
The former coach warned that repeating the same approach without planning for progression could lead to more setbacks down the line.
“If we don’t rebuild properly, we may face the same problems again. Football success must be sustainable,” he said.
Abdallah also stressed the importance of patience from fans and administrators, noting that rebuilding requires time, trust, and consistency.
“You cannot rebuild overnight. There must be patience with the coach and the players,” he explained.
While not dismissing Nigeria’s chances at AFCON, Abdallah emphasized that expectations should be realistic and balanced.
“Yes, Nigeria can win AFCON. But the bigger picture should be building a strong team that can compete consistently,” he noted.
He concluded by urging stakeholders to use the Morocco tournament as a foundation rather than a final destination.
“AFCON should mark the beginning of a new chapter for Nigerian football, not just a desperate chase for a trophy,” Abdallah said.
