Former Super Eagles head coach Samson Siasia has urged the national team to use the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco as a platform to reunite the country’s football fans, restore lost trust, and revive national pride following the painful failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
READ ALSO: Dikko Confirms Probe Into Nigeria Athletics Age Scandal: ‘Anyone Guilty Will Face Strict Sanctions’
With AFCON kicking off on 21 December 2025, Siasia says the tournament represents a golden opportunity for the players to rebuild their relationship with supporters who have grown frustrated in recent years.
“AFCON is the chance to bring Nigerians back together. The fans are disappointed about the World Cup, but if the team performs well in Morocco, they will believe again,” he said.
According to the former coach, the players now carry the responsibility of not just competing but also repairing the emotional bond between the team and millions of supporters worldwide.
“It is now on the players. They must bring back the glory days. Nigerians want a team they can trust. A team that fights, entertains, and wins,” Siasia added.
He emphasized that the World Cup failure must not define the squad’s future, urging the players to channel their frustration into determination.
“What is gone is gone. They must focus on AFCON and give everything to make up for what happened,” he said.
Siasia noted that Nigeria has enough talent to compete for the title, but reminded the squad that talent alone means nothing without unity, effort, and the will to win.
“We have the quality. What we need now is hunger, discipline, and team spirit. If the boys show that, they can go far,” he said.
He stressed that winning, or at least performing strongly, in Morocco would go a long way in repairing the team’s reputation.
“A good AFCON will change the mood of the nation. It will restore confidence and pride. This is their moment,” Siasia concluded.
