Yobo and Ikpeba Share Thoughts on Nigeria’s AFCON 2025 Group Stage Draw
The draw for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has placed Nigeria in Group C alongside Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania. Following the announcement, two Super Eagles legends, Joseph Yobo and Victor Ikpeba, have shared their views on the group and Nigeria’s chances in the tournament.
Yobo: ‘We Can Win in Morocco’
Former Super Eagles captain, Joseph Yobo, admitted that Nigeria had been “unlucky” in previous tournaments but remains hopeful for the 2025 edition, which will be held in Morocco. Yobo, who was part of the team that reached the final in the 2023 AFCON in Ivory Coast, expressed his belief that Nigeria’s current squad has the potential to go all the way.
“We were very unlucky not to win in Côte d’Ivoire,” Yobo said in an interview. “If we can build on that momentum, we have a real chance of going further and hopefully winning the title in Morocco.”
Yobo pointed out the strength of the current squad, emphasizing the solid understanding among the players. “We have a good crop of young players who have been together for some time now. The team’s chemistry shouldn’t be a problem,” he added.
Looking ahead to the 2025 tournament, Yobo remains confident that the Super Eagles have what it takes to lift the AFCON trophy once again, following their near success in the last edition.
Ikpeba: ‘The Draw Is Fair, But We Must Respect All Teams’
Victor Ikpeba, another former Nigerian international, had a more measured take on the draw. Describing Nigeria’s group as “fair,” Ikpeba acknowledged that while Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania are tough opponents, the Super Eagles are capable of progressing from the group stage.
“I think the draw is fair when compared to some of the other groups,” Ikpeba told SuperSport. “We have the experience and quality to get out of this group, but we must not take any team lightly. Even the so-called smaller teams have made great progress, as we saw at the last AFCON.”
Ikpeba also urged the Super Eagles to respect their opponents, warning that complacency could lead to problems. “All teams in this competition will be competitive, and we must approach each match with the seriousness it deserves,” he said.
Tunisia, the 2004 AFCON champions, will provide a significant challenge, while both Uganda and Tanzania will look to make their mark in the tournament. Despite this, Ikpeba believes Nigeria’s pedigree, with three AFCON titles, gives them an advantage in the group.
Looking Ahead to AFCON 2025
The 2025 AFCON will kick off on December 21, 2025, with the tournament culminating in the final on January 18, 2026. After their heartbreaking loss in the 2023 final, the Super Eagles will be eager to go one step further and claim a fourth continental title.
As Yobo and Ikpeba have both emphasized, Nigeria has the talent to succeed, but they must build on their past experiences and respect every opponent they face in Morocco.
