London, June 2, 2025 — Nigeria’s recent victory in the 2025 Unity Cup, secured through a dramatic penalty shootout against Jamaica, has been celebrated by fans and players alike.
However, former Super Eagles striker Julius Aghahowa has emphasized that while the win is commendable, it should serve as a catalyst for deeper introspection and preparation ahead of more significant challenges.
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“Winning the Unity Cup is good for team confidence,” Aghahowa remarked. “But we must treat such games more seriously. They should be used to identify areas for improvement ahead of major competitions like the AFCON and World Cup qualifiers.”
Aghahowa, who netted 14 goals in 32 appearances for Nigeria, has consistently highlighted concerns about the team’s mentality and commitment. He believes that the Super Eagles possess the talent to succeed but often lack the necessary fighting spirit and work ethic.
“Our players need to understand that talent alone doesn’t win matches,” he stated. “It’s about the right attitude, mentality, and the willingness to give 120% every time they wear the national jersey.”
The Unity Cup, held at Brentford Community Stadium in London, saw Nigeria maintain their perfect record in the tournament, having previously won in 2002 and 2004. Despite the celebratory mood, Aghahowa’s comments serve as a reminder that the team must not rest on their laurels.
With the Africa Cup of Nations and World Cup qualifiers on the horizon, the Super Eagles have an opportunity to build on their recent success. Aghahowa urges the team to use the momentum from the Unity Cup victory to address lingering issues and approach upcoming matches with renewed seriousness and determination.
“The Unity Cup win should be a stepping stone, not a destination,” Aghahowa concluded. “The real tests are yet to come, and we must be fully prepared to face them.”
