Nigeria Will Use Pain as Fuel in the Upcoming AFCON

🇳🇬 William Troost-Ekong: “Nigeria’s pain from the last AFCON final has made us stronger”

Nigeria captain William Troost-Ekong says the Super Eagles are heading to Morocco for the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2025 with renewed belief and resilience forged from the heartbreak of their last final defeat in Côte d’Ivoire.

The Al-Kholood and Saudi Arabia-based defender describes a dressing room filled with excitement, unity, and hunger to bring the AFCON trophy back to Nigeria, a nation that has lifted it three times but has waited over a decade for its next triumph.

“This group is wiser, stronger, and more determined,” Troost-Ekong told CAFOnline.com. “The last AFCON taught us painful lessons—but also gave us the experience we need to finally go all the way.”

⚽ Nigeria’s mindset ahead of AFCON 2025: belief and unfinished business

After a long qualification campaign, Troost-Ekong says the Super Eagles are mentally and physically ready for Morocco.

“The team is excited. The last AFCON left a big impression on all of us. This time, we want to take that experience and turn it into victory,” he said.

Nigeria reached the final of AFCON 2023, only to lose to hosts Côte d’Ivoire. For Troost-Ekong, the mission is clear: go one step further.

“We learned that finals aren’t about emotion—they’re about execution. We focused too much on the occasion last time. Now we’ll stay calm and play our football.”

🏆 Can Nigeria win AFCON 2025?

Troost-Ekong is cautious but confident.

“We’ve got an amazing squad—too many top players to name. But Morocco are at home and in great form, Côte d’Ivoire are defending champions, and Senegal are always dangerous. There are no clear favourites in AFCON.”

He adds that Nigeria’s strength lies not just in star power but in team unity, heart, and balance.

“AFCON is won by teams with heart, togetherness, and momentum. We’ve finished third, then second—it’s time to finish first.”

⚔️ A challenging AFCON 2025 Group for the Super Eagles

Nigeria’s Group B includes Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania, all of whom present serious challenges.

“Tunisia are a disciplined side; they beat us in the 2021 round of 16. Uganda and Tanzania are strong too. There are no easy games at AFCON,” he said.

The Super Eagles aim to top their group to gain a favorable knockout path, but Troost-Ekong insists there’s no room for complacency.

🌍 The magic of the Africa Cup of Nations

For Troost-Ekong, the AFCON remains the most special tournament in world football.

“AFCON is where Africa unites. The energy, the colors, the fans—it’s the most beautiful competition in the world. Every game is unpredictable, and every nation dreams.”

🎵 Inside the Super Eagles’ dressing room

When asked about the team’s atmosphere, Troost-Ekong laughed:

“Samuel Chukwueze is usually the DJ—he’s got great taste. We have both Muslim and Christian prayers before games, led by different players. Victor Boniface is the comedian; he keeps spirits high. It’s like a family.”