Pitch Awards Urges Super Eagles to Win AFCON to Compensate for World Cup Miss

Posted : 24 December 2025

The President of the Nigeria Pitch Awards, Shina Philips, has urged the Super Eagles to win the 35th Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, saying such a triumph would help compensate Nigerians for the country’s failure to qualify for the FIFA World Cup.

Assessing Nigeria’s prospects after their opening AFCON victory over Tanzania, Philips said the Super Eagles have the potential to lift the trophy. Nigeria began their campaign with a 2-1 win over the Taifa Stars in Fès on Tuesday. Semi Ajayi opened the scoring in the 35th minute, heading in Alex Iwobi’s cross to give the Super Eagles the lead. Tanzania equalized six minutes later through Tarryn Allarakhia, whose powerful strike beat goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali. Nigeria quickly regained the lead as Ademola Lookman fired home from the edge of the box after another incisive pass from Iwobi.

Reacting to the result, Philips said Nigerians had high hopes for World Cup qualification but were left disappointed. “It is true that Nigerians had expectations with the World Cup qualification, hoping that Nigeria would make it,” he said. “That didn’t happen. In consolation, we have AFCON, and every Nigerian football lover now has high hopes.”

He emphasized that winning AFCON would be the best way to make amends. “We believe the Super Eagles should deliver. That is enough to compensate Nigerians for missing the World Cup,” Philips said.

Philips expressed confidence in the team’s quality and spirit, noting that the squad is highly spirited and capable of winning the tournament. He praised the influence of new coach Eric Chelle and the growing cohesion within the team. “We have seen the approach of the new coach. He wants to bring out the best in the team. The players are getting used to each other technically, and that blend is what we need,” he said.

However, Philips identified defensive lapses that require urgent attention. “We saw one or two miscalculations due to lack of non-verbal communication. The defense is a bit wobbly, and we have to be realistic,” he noted. He also advised the players to raise their performance level against stronger opponents. “That is not enough as a take-off. We must be dominant and show our global pedigree,” he said.

Philips added that missing the World Cup had hurt Nigeria’s football image. “Nigeria not going to the World Cup is damaging to the brand. Nigeria is a huge, sellable football name,” he said. He urged the team to channel frustration into AFCON success. “The vengeance of missing the World Cup should be transferred to AFCON. The best compensation is for the Super Eagles to return with the trophy,” Philips stated.

He called for hunger and determination from the players. “There must be that burning desire to bring the Cup to Nigeria. Reaching the final last time is not enough,” he said, describing the previous AFCON final as disappointing. “It will be a resounding resurgence if the Super Eagles come home with the trophy,” he added.

Philips also urged the attackers to be more ruthless in front of goal. “Those up front should be hungry to score, taking shots from inside and outside the 18-yard box,” he said. He warned against underestimating host nation Morocco. “The Morocco team is world-class. You cannot underestimate a host nation,” he noted.

Despite these cautions, Philips expressed optimism about Nigeria’s prospects. “This AFCON is a decider for the coach. We cannot aim for anything less than the final. Optimistically, I believe we have what it takes to win,” he concluded.

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Pitch Awards Urges Super Eagles to Win AFCON to Compensate for World Cup Miss

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