Super Eagles legend Austin Jay Jay Okocha has cautioned Nigeria’s national team against losing focus as they continue their quest to win the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, insisting the players must remain grounded despite their impressive run.
Jay Jay Okocha shared his thoughts during an appearance on the Clutch9 podcast in an exclusive conversation with Scarlette Douglas, where he spoke candidly about what the current Super Eagles squad must do to go all the way in the tournament.
When asked what would be required for Nigeria to lift the AFCON trophy, the former captain highlighted belief, commitment and discipline as the key factors. He said “It’s all about belief, it’s all about the commitment, they’ve shown us a lot of commitment in recent years”.
He acknowledged that consistency has sometimes been an issue for the team but stressed that Nigeria has always risen to the occasion at the Africa Cup of Nations. “Of course, we’ve not been as consistent as we want, but in the AFCON, we’ve always done well. It’s a tournament we play with pride, and we got to the finals in the last edition. And this edition, it’s clear that all our expectations are to go all the way. We can’t take away the fact that we know it is a difficult tournament as well. But we’re looking good, and hopefully that belief, that confidence, that hard work they’re putting in will continue to the end.”
“You can’t change anything if you’re winning. You can’t do more than winning. It’s just for them not to get carried away, not for them to think they are there yet.” Jay Jay Okocha noted that the Super Eagles play the tournament with pride and reminded fans that the team reached the final in the previous edition, adding that expectations are once again high this year.
According to him, while Nigeria look strong and confident, the players must understand the challenges that come with the competition. He expressed optimism that the belief, confidence and hard work shown so far can carry the team through, but warned against complacency. He said the most important thing is for the players not to get carried away or think the job is already done.
Nigeria booked their place in the semi finals on Saturday with a composed 2-0 victory over the Desert Foxes of Algeria. Akor Adams and Victor Osimhen were on target as the Super Eagles produced one of their most controlled performances of the tournament to stay on course for a fourth continental crown.
The win has set up a highly anticipated semi final clash against host nation Morocco on Wednesday January 14, 2026, with the Super Eagles aiming to maintain their focus and momentum as they push for a place in the final.
