Former Super Eagles midfielder Friday Ekpo says Nigeria must immediately shift full attention to the 2025 AFCON in Morocco, insisting that the disappointment of missing the 2026 World Cup is now behind the team.
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With the tournament kicking off in less than two weeks, Ekpo stressed that dwelling on the past will only distract from the task ahead.
“The World Cup setback is gone. What matters now is AFCON. The team must focus entirely on what is coming,” he said.
Ekpo urged the squad and technical crew to adopt a step-by-step approach, rather than jumping ahead emotionally or tactically. According to him, success begins with mastering the basics.
“AFCON is about stages. First, get out of the group. Then think about the knockout phase. You don’t start dreaming of the final when you haven’t crossed the first hurdle,” he explained.
Nigeria are housed in Group C alongside Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania, a group many expect them to top — but Ekpo warned that overconfidence is dangerous.
“Every country is improving. We cannot underestimate any team. The coach must study each opponent and have a clear plan,” he said.
Ekpo highlighted the importance of selecting the right squad, not the most popular names, insisting that tactical balance matters more than reputation.
“The coach must pick the right players for the job, not names. AFCON requires physical, mental, and technical readiness. Only the best-prepared players should go,” he said.
He urged the technical crew to focus on structure, discipline, and match-by-match planning.
“You don’t rush expectations. You build momentum. A solid plan for each stage is what wins tournaments,” he added.
Ekpo concluded by expressing confidence that if Nigeria approach the tournament with seriousness and unity, they can restore joy to fans across the country.
“If the team stays focused and organized, they can make Nigerians proud in Morocco. But everything starts with the right mindset now,” he said.
