Tijani Babangida, a former Super Eagles winger believes winning the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco would help the national team regain the trust of millions of supporters across the globe after last month’s painful failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The gold medallist of 1996 Olympic recently said that the African Cup Of Nations has presented a rare opportunity for Eric Chelle’s squad to “redeem themselves” and restore national pride.
According to the statement made by the former Nigerian international, the emotions across the Nigerian football community remain raw following the playoff defeat to DR Congo that ended hopes of appearing at the next World Cup.
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In his words, he said; “If the Super Eagles win the African Cup of Nations (AFCON), I can boldly tell you the team will be forgiven for the pain of losing the World Cup ticket.”
“The glory will portray that the FIFA World Cup qualifiers were just a rough path. Winning the AFCON will bring the fans and players together and send a message that Nigeria is still the best in Africa.”
The 52-year old noted that the disappointment felt by Nigerians outside the country has been particularly intense. “From what I see here in Netherlands, Nigerian fans all over the world are not happy at all,” he said.
“That is to tell you that Super Eagles have so many Nigerians in the United States, Europe and back home who were ready to support the team at the World Cup. I even watched videos of young fans crying after the loss to Congo.”
The former winger also warned against over-reliance on star striker Victor Osimhen, while expressing confidence in the Super Eagles’ prospects.
