‘Former Super Eagles midfielder and 2013 AFCON winner, Gabriel Reuben, has called for greater unity within the national team following the Nigeria Football Federation’s mandate for coach Eric Chelle to reach the AFCON final.
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Speaking on the target set by the NFF ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, Reuben said achieving such ambition will require total commitment, shared vision and trust across the entire squad.
“If the team is going to reach the final, there must be unity. Everyone has to be on the same page,” Reuben said.
The former international stressed that individual agendas must be put aside if the Super Eagles are to meet expectations.
“You cannot achieve big goals when players are pulling in different directions. The team must think as one,” he added.
Reuben emphasized that respect for the head coach is central to building cohesion, especially in a high-pressure tournament environment.
“The players must respect the coach as their leader. His instructions must be followed,” he said.
The 2013 AFCON winner also noted that trust among teammates is essential, particularly when the tournament reaches decisive moments.
“Players must trust each other on and off the pitch. That trust wins games,” he explained.
Reuben acknowledged that Nigeria has the talent to compete at AFCON but warned that talent alone will not be enough.
“Quality is there, but without unity, quality means nothing at this level,” he said.
He also urged the players to fully embrace the target set by the federation, rather than see it as pressure.
“Targets should motivate you. If you fear them, then you’re not ready,” Reuben stated.
The former midfielder added that AFCON success depends heavily on attitude, discipline and collective belief.
“When you share the same vision and believe in it together, results will follow,” he said.
As the Super Eagles prepare for AFCON in Morocco, Reuben’s call serves as a reminder that unity, not individual brilliance, could be the deciding factor in whether Nigeria meets its ambitious goal of reaching another AFCON final.
