Super Eagles midfielder Frank Onyeka has urged his teammates to focus on winning the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, saying that the team is determined to redeem themselves after missing out on the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The three-time African champions suffered heartbreak in the African playoffs, losing 4-3 on penalties to the Democratic Republic of Congo on Sunday.
The defeat came in Rabat, leaving fans and players alike devastated. Onyeka acknowledged the collective pain but emphasised the need to move forward.
“We, the players, are hurting just as much as Nigerians are hurting,” Onyeka explained after the match. Additionally, he recognised the fans’ disappointment, admitting their anger was completely justified.
The midfielder also reflected on the personal stakes, noting that some players may not feature in future tournaments. Therefore, the urgency to perform well in the upcoming AFCON is heightened.
Super Eagles set sights on AFCON 2025 after World Cup heartbreak
Onyeka stressed that the team must quickly redirect their energy towards the AFCON finals in 34 days. Furthermore, he insisted that lessons from recent failures must inform their preparation. Consequently, the Super Eagles aim to avoid repeating past mistakes.
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“We have an AFCON to play in 34 days, and we need to get ready for that,” Onyeka added. He stressed on the importance of doing better than in previous campaigns.
Nigeria’s next challenge will test their resilience and ability to recover from major disappointment. Additionally, Onyeka’s leadership underlines the importance of mental strength in tournament football. Ultimately, the Super Eagles hope to bring pride back to the nation at AFCON 2025.
Fans and analysts alike will watch closely to see if the team can turn frustration into triumph.
Indeed, every player understands that continental glory represents a chance to restore national pride. AFCON 2025 promises to be a defining tournament for this present crop of Super Eagles players.
Tags: Frank Onyeka, Super Eagles, #SoarSuperEagles, DR Congo, World Cup Playoffs, #FIFAWCQ, AFCON, Africa Cup of Nations.
