Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has expressed strong belief that Nigeria possesses the talent and determination to win the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
The Chippa United shot-stopper, who was one of Nigeria’s standout performers at the 2023 AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire, said the team has learned valuable lessons from their narrow loss in the final and is ready to go one step further this time.
Nigeria finished runners-up earlier this year after a thrilling campaign that ended in a 2–1 defeat to hosts Côte d’Ivoire. However, Nwabali believes that the experience from that tournament has strengthened the team’s mentality and resolve.
“We have a strong squad with the quality and unity to win the next AFCON,” Nwabali said in an interview with South African media. “It won’t be easy because every country wants to win, but we’ve been there before and know what it takes.”
The 28-year-old, who plies his trade with Chippa United in South Africa’s Premier Soccer League, was widely praised for his composure and shot-stopping ability during the 2023 edition, where Nigeria conceded just three goals en route to the final.
Looking ahead to the tournament in Morocco, Nwabali said confidence within the team is high and that the players are determined to deliver Nigeria’s fourth continental crown, following triumphs in 1980, 1994, and 2013.
“We have the belief and the support of millions of Nigerians. We’ll go to Morocco focused, and with hard work and discipline, I believe we can bring the trophy home,” he added.
