Follow @iambolar on X for more expert analysis.
When the Super Eagles touched down in Morocco for AFCON 2025, they carried more than luggage – they carried the weight of a nation’s frustration. After inconsistent performances in the years leading up to the tournament, public confidence was shaky. Critics questioned the squad’s mentality, the coaching direction, and even the future of Nigerian football.
????? ?????? ?? ???? ???? ????? ?? ??? ???? ??
— Bet9ja: The home of #betBOOM! ? (@Bet9jaOfficial) January 19, 2026
Are you ready to go 1Up?!
But by the time the bronze medal game was won against Egypt, the narrative had flipped. The Super Eagles competed, fought, adapted, and re?established themselves as one of Africa’s elite teams.
Head coach Eric Chelle summed it up perfectly after the third?place match: “People questioned our character, but this team showed heart. They showed Nigeria what resilience looks like.”
Nigeria entered AFCON 2025 with skepticism swirling around them. Fans demanded more consistency. Analysts questioned tactical clarity. Former players voiced concerns about leadership and identity.
The criticism wasn’t baseless:
- Patchy form in qualifiers
- Injuries to key players
- A squad still searching for chemistry
- A coach under intense scrutiny
The stage was set for either collapse… or rebirth. Early in the tournament, something clicked. The coaching staff introduced a more balanced system – one that protected the defence while unleashing the team’s attacking strengths. They improved as they progressed in the tournament.
Key shifts included:
- A more compact defensive structure
- Faster transitions through midfield
- Trust in younger, more dynamic players
Suddenly, the team looked organised, confident, and difficult to break down. A run that saw them play in the knockout stages without conceding a goal in normal time.
Chelle expanded on that evolution: “You could see the improvement from game to game. The understanding got better; the communication got better. Sometimes football is not about changing everything – it’s about doing the same things better.”
Perhaps the biggest transformation wasn’t tactical – it was psychological.
The team showed:
- Resilience in knockout matches
- Unity in moments of adversity
- Composure under pressure
- A hunger that had been missing in previous tournaments
This was a squad that refused to fold.
Nigeria’s third?place finish wasn’t the ultimate prize, but it was a powerful statement. It proved that the Super Eagles are rebuilding with purpose, direction, and belief.
The doubters were loud before the tournament. By the end, they were quiet – replaced by fans dreaming again.
The comeback isn’t complete. But AFCON 2025 showed:
- A foundation is forming
- Young stars are emerging
- The tactical identity is clearer
- The team is mentally stronger
If Nigeria build on this momentum, the next few years could redefine the nation’s football story.
