Nigeria’s disappointment from missing the World Cup has become the driving force behind their push for redemption at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. The team had been given a second chance after finishing as one of the best runners-up in the qualifiers, but their hopes collapsed when they were beaten on penalties by the Democratic Republic of Congo in a playoff in Morocco. Victor Osimhen, who scored twice in the semifinal win over Gabon, has admitted through team officials that the back-to-back failures have left the squad questioning how a group filled with European-based talent has fallen short again.

Head coach Eric Chelle has also acknowledged the emotional strain within the camp. He told reporters that the players were deeply affected by the disappointment and that his focus now is helping them turn that frustration into stronger performances at AFCON. He noted that the team must respond with intensity rather than dwell on their setbacks.

Nigeria will compete in Group C alongside Tunisia, Tanzania, and Uganda, with all their first-round matches set for Fes. The clash with Tunisia on 27 December is expected to decide the group winner, given their rankings and AFCON history, which favours Nigeria in previous meetings.

Chelle faces the challenge of choosing from a deep attacking group, including Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Victor Boniface, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Tolu Arokodare, Chidera Ejuke, and Adams Akor.

On the other side, Tunisia’s coach Samy Trabelsi believes his team can challenge Nigeria and has set a target of at least the semifinals. Uganda and Tanzania also enter the tournament with renewed confidence under their respective coaches, aiming to make their mark in Morocco.