The Super Eagles head coach has called on his players to remain focused and block out distractions as Nigeria prepares for their opening match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations against Tanzania.
In a tweet shared by the Super Eagles’ official X handle, the coach acknowledged the emotional impact of Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the World Cup, following their penalty shootout loss to Congo, but stressed the need for mental strength and concentration moving forward.
His statement read:
We are ready for for our opponent, we need to focus on our selves and take out outside noise. Of course the wordcup miss is painfull
Softfootball gathered that the message was aimed at keeping the squad grounded amid growing attention, criticism, and external pressure surrounding the team. The World Cup qualification setback has remained a sensitive topic among fans and players alike, especially with ongoing discussions and reactions online.

The statement comes just days before Nigeria’s first AFCON Group C match against Tanzania. Off the pitch, excitement continues to build, with Nigerian Afrobeats star Davido recently staking $25,000 on Nigeria’s opener, further adding to the spotlight on the Super Eagles.
As AFCON 2025 kicks off, the coaching crew’s emphasis on focus and unity will be crucial as Nigeria looks to move past recent disappointments and begin their continental campaign on a positive note.
