Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi has expressed confidence and focus ahead of Nigeria’s opening Group C match against Tanzania at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Nigeria head into the fixture with an impressive record in AFCON group stages, having suffered just one defeat in their last 14 matches, recording 10 wins and three draws. The Super Eagles have also avoided defeat in their opening match at the last three AFCON tournaments.
Tanzania, meanwhile, are appearing at the Africa Cup of Nations for only the fourth time in their history. They are yet to record a win at the finals, having gone 10 matches without victory and losing all three of their previous opening games.
Speaking at the pre match press conference, Ndidi highlighted the positive atmosphere within the Nigerian camp and stressed the importance of starting the tournament strongly.
“The spirit in the camp is very high, we’re very energised. This game is very important for us, it’s the game that sets the momentum. The guys are ready, everyone is ready, from the players to the staff, everyone is focused on this game,” Wilfred Ndidi said.
The Besiktas midfielder was recently confirmed as Nigeria’s new captain following the international retirement of William Troost Ekong. Despite the responsibility, Ndidi insists he is comfortable in the role and feels well supported.
“To be honest, there’s no pressure. We’ve got senior players in the team helping out, with the help of the coach and staffs. I’ve been here learning from the former captain Troost-Ekong so there’s no pressure at all.”
Nigeria finished as runners up at the previous AFCON in Ivory Coast, losing the final to the host nation. Ndidi believes that experience has strengthened the team’s mindset heading into this edition.
“There are lots of lessons learnt from the previous AFCON in Cote D’Ivoire. We set the standard getting to the final, but unfortunately we couldn’t get the trophy. We cannot go below that. The standards are already high so the team is ready for that. This is an opportunity for us.”
Despite Nigeria being widely tipped as favourites against Tanzania, Ndidi warned against complacency, stressing that every team at the tournament deserves respect.
“Every country that has qualified for the AFCON cannot be underrated. They’re capable of competing for the trophy. We as Nigerians are here to contend, not just to compete.”
Ndidi also spoke about the motivation driving the squad as they chase a fourth continental title for Nigeria.
“The inspiration comes from the team and from Nigerians, what we’ve gone through before and what we’re expecting now. The inspiration is what we have at hand and what we’re going to do. We’re focused on this AFCON, and we’ll see what is next.”
The Super Eagles will face Tanzania at the Complexe Sportif de Fès at 6.30 pm on Tuesday. Nigeria have never lost to the Taifa Stars in six previous meetings. The other Group C encounter between Tunisia and Uganda will take place later in the evening at the Stade Olympique de Rabat.
