Former Nigeria Football Federation executive committee member Barrister Sajo Mohammed has cautioned the Super Eagles against underrating any of their opponents in Group C of the 2025 AFCON in Morocco, stressing that the painful World Cup qualifying failure should serve as a permanent lesson.
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Nigeria will face Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania in a tricky group, and Sajo Mohammed insists the Eagles cannot afford to approach any of those matches with complacency.
“There are no small teams in Africa anymore. If the World Cup qualifiers taught us anything, it’s that you underestimate an opponent at your own risk,” he warned.
He emphasized that football is evolving rapidly across the continent, and countries once considered underdogs now possess structure, discipline, and tactical awareness capable of punishing careless teams.
“Every country has improved. The gap has closed. Nigeria must respect every opponent and fight for every point,” he added.
With AFCON kicking off on 21 December 2025, Mohammed said the Eagles owe Nigerians a strong performance, not only because of expectations, but as compensation for the heartbreak of missing another World Cup.
“The only compensation Nigerians want now is for the Super Eagles to win the Nations Cup. That is the minimum they owe the country,” he stated.
He urged head coach Eric Chelle and the technical crew to approach every game with strategic discipline, ensuring the players are physically and mentally prepared for the battles ahead.
“The coach must prepare the team properly. No excuses. Nigeria must be ready from the very first whistle in Morocco,” Mohammed said.
He also called on the players to show responsibility, unity, and hunger, qualities he believes were missing during the qualifiers.
“They must be fully committed. Every match should be treated like a final. Nigerians deserve to see passion and dedication,” he added.
Despite his warnings, Mohammed remains confident that Nigeria can top the group and push for the title.
“We have the players to win AFCON. What we need now is the right attitude. If we get that right, Nigeria will go far,” he concluded.
