Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali says Nigeria will approach the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco with belief, hunger and a clear mission: to win the tournament.
The shot-stopper, who emerged as one of the standout performers in the last edition, insisted that the team is not travelling to Morocco simply to participate but to “fight for the trophy.”
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Reflecting on Nigeria’s heartbreaking defeat in the last AFCON final, Nwabali described the experience as deeply painful, one that still drives him every time he trains or walks onto the pitch.
He said the memories of that loss have become fuel for the squad, a constant reminder of how close they came and how much more they need to give. According to him, the disappointment has matured the team, sharpened their mentality, and made them more aware of the levels required to win major tournaments.
Nwabali emphasized that AFCON remains one of the biggest football competitions in the world, with intense quality, unpredictable outcomes and fierce rivalries. He maintained that Nigeria, as one of Africa’s football giants, must always set high targets and work towards achieving them.
However, he warned that the team must avoid overconfidence, documenting how quickly fortunes can change in football if complacency sets in.
The goalkeeper revealed that preparations have been intense, with the coaching staff placing strong emphasis on discipline, tactical balance and maintaining physical sharpness. He praised the squad’s unity, noting that the blend of experienced stars and emerging talents has created a lively, competitive atmosphere in camp.
Nwabali concluded by saying that Nigeria carries the hopes of millions of fans worldwide and that the players are fully aware of the expectations placed on them. He called for continued support from Nigerians everywhere, promising that the team will give everything to bring the AFCON trophy home.
