Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali is confident that Nigeria can win the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, stating that fans expect nothing less than bringing the trophy home.
The 2025 AFCON will take place in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.
Nwabali, who became one of Nigeria’s standout performers during the 2023 tournament in Ivory Coast, said the team has learned valuable lessons from their journey to the final last year.
“AFCON is one of the biggest tournaments in the world, not just in Africa,” Nwabali said on SuperSport TV. “As a big nation, we are always expected to win, not just to participate.”
Nigeria lost the 2023 final 2-1 to hosts Ivory Coast, but the Chippa United shot-stopper believes that experience has strengthened the team’s determination ahead of the 2025 edition in Morocco.
“Playing the final last year, I feel this year we are going to win it,” he added.
Nigeria last lifted the AFCON trophy in 2013 under the late coach Stephen Keshi, having also won it in 1980 and 1994.
Nwabali’s impressive displays in Ivory Coast earned him widespread praise and cemented his place as Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper. However, he has faced criticism recently for errors, unnecessary antics, and time-wasting that led to avoidable bookings during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Before AFCON, Nwabali and his teammates must navigate the African playoffs for a place at the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
As coach Eric Chelle prepares to release his squad list for both the playoffs and the AFCON, Nwabali is expected to face competition from Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, who is making his return to the team.
