Captain Ndidi, Adams eye Super Eagles’ redemption with  AFCON title 

LEICESTER, ENGLAND – MAY 3: Wilfred Ndidi of Leicester City gestures during the Premier League match between Leicester City FC and Southampton FC at The King Power Stadium on May 3, 2025 in Leicester, England. (Photo by James Holyoak/MB Media/Getty Images)

Captain Wilfred Ndidi, has declared  the Super Eagles  focused and mentally ready to begin their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign this evening in Fes against the Tanzania’s Taifa Stars

Speaking at his pre-match press conference, the newly appointed skipper expressed confidence in the team’s readiness, stressing the importance of a strong start to the tournament.

 “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,” Ndidi said.

Nigeria head into the encounter with an impressive AFCON group-stage record, having lost just once in their last 14 group matches, recording 10 wins and three draws. The Super Eagles have also remained unbeaten in their opening games in the last three AFCON editions.

Ndidi, who took over the captaincy following William Troost-Ekong’s international retirement, attributing his calm disposition  to the support within the squad and guidance from the coaching crew.

 “To be honest, there’s no pressure. We’ve got senior players in the team helping out, with the help of the coach and staff. I’ve been here learning from the former captain Troost-Ekong, so there’s no pressure at all,” he added.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s runners-up finish at the last AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire, the Besiktas midfielder said the team has drawn valuable lessons and is determined to go one step further this time.

“There are lots of lessons learnt from the previous AFCON. 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. This is an opportunity for us.”

Meanwhile,  Super Eagles forward,  Akor Adams is brimming with confidence ahead of  his maiden AFCON appearance, adding the tournament offers a redemption following Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the FIFA World Cup.

“I am disappointed as every Nigerian and as every player in the team. But as in football and also in life you have to look forward, and we have another opportunity to redeem ourselves now,” Adams said.

The in-form striker, who earned his AFCON call-up after an impressive run in Europe, expressed gratitude for the chance to represent Nigeria on the continental stage.

 “Not just for the AFCON, but being part of the Super Eagles for me it’s a blessing. I am grateful to God for it, I do not take it for granted. I try to give my best and I’m happy to be here.”

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Adams believes preparation, not experience or conditions, will determine success in Morocco.

 “There are no advantages compared to how much you prepare. It doesn’t matter the weather or being here a thousand times; if you prepare well, you will play well—and that’s what we’ve been doing.”

Nigeria will face Tanzania at the Complexe Sportif de Fès by 6:30 pm this evening , December 23, while the other Group C clash between Tunisia and Uganda will take place later in Rabat.