Brentford of England’s outgoing midfielder, Frank Onyeka has come out with a confession that the Super Eagles played under ‘mental pressure’ against Tunisia, Algeria, Egypt and Morocco at the recent Africa Cup of Nations.
Sports247 reports that, of the four North African teams Nigeria battled at the 2025 AFCON, only Algeria did not pose a serious challenge, but the Eagles almost drew with Tunisia, then faced penalties versus Morocco and Egypt.
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Although Nigeria defeated Tunisia and Algeria at the competition, Onyeka recalled that both games were tactically tough and victory did not come easy, after which he blamed ‘mental fatigue’ for their inability to defeat Morocco.
He further recounted that the Eagles barely managed to beat Tunisia 3-2 in their second group match, then toiled until early in the second half to sink Algeria 2-0 in the quarter-finals, after which they lost to Morocco via penalties in the semi-final.
The Eagles eventually got a record extending ninth third place finish with victory over Egypt via penalties, thereby leaving AFCON 2025 with bronze medals, but Onyeka admitted that diverse lessons were learnt from playing against the North Africans.
The FC Ebedei of Sagamu product, who played on loan at Augsburg of Germany last season, further told Oma Sports TV that Eagles’ coach, Eric Sekou Chelle did not employ different patterns against the North Africans.
Onyeka, who previously played for FC Midtjylland of Denmark, added, “When you’re playing against North African countries, you know they are mentally strong.
“We are also physically strong, but at the same time, we approach every game without thinking about whether it’s against a North or West African team.”
Meanwhile, Sports247 gathered that Onyeka is attracting interest from some clubs in the Championship, as Sheffield United and Coventry City have enquired about his availability.
Valencia of Spain have also been credited with interest in Onyeka, who wants more game time and is not currently considered as part of the long-term plans at Brentford.
