Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi has played down any talk of pressure in the Nigerian camp, insisting the team is calm, united and fully focused ahead of their opening match at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations against Tanzania.
Speaking on Monday ahead of the Group C opener, Ndidi said the mood in camp is positive, with players and officials eager to start the tournament strongly.
“The spirit in the camp is very high, we’re very energised. This game is very important for us because it sets the momentum. The guys are ready — everyone, from the players to the staff. All our focus is on this game,” he said.
Nigeria head into the fixture with an impressive AFCON group-stage record, having lost just once in their last 14 matches, with 10 wins and three draws. The Super Eagles have also remained unbeaten in their opening games at the last three editions of the tournament.
Tanzania, on the other hand, are making only their fourth AFCON appearance. The Taifa Stars are yet to win a match in 10 outings at the competition and have lost all three of their previous opening fixtures.
Ndidi, who recently took over the captaincy following the international retirement of William Troost-Ekong, said the new role has not added any extra burden on him.
“To be honest, there’s no pressure. We have senior players in the team, the coach and the technical crew all supporting one another. I learned a lot from Troost-Ekong, so I feel comfortable in this role,” he said.
The Leicester City midfielder added that Nigeria’s runners-up finish at the last AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire has only strengthened the team’s determination to go one step further this time.
Read Also;
Morocco Face Comoros as AFCON 2025 Kicks Off in Rabat
“We took a lot of lessons from the last tournament. We set a high standard by reaching the final, even though we didn’t win it. We can’t go below that level. The standard is already there, and the team is ready,” Ndidi noted.
Despite Nigeria being widely tipped as favourites, the Super Eagles captain warned against underestimating any opponent at the tournament.
“Every team that qualifies for AFCON deserves respect. No country should be underrated. We are here to contend, not just to compete,” he said.
The Super Eagles will begin their 2025 AFCON campaign against Tanzania on Tuesday at the Complexe Sportif de Fès, with kick-off scheduled for 6:30 pm. The other Group C match between Tunisia and Uganda will be played later at the Stade Olympique de Rabat.
