Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has expressed confidence in Nigeria’s ability to win the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, emphasizing that fans expect nothing less than bringing the trophy home.
The 2025 AFCON is scheduled to take place in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.
Nwabali, who rose to prominence as one of Nigeria’s key players during the 2023 tournament in Ivory Coast, stated that the team has gained important lessons from their journey to the final last year.
“AFCON is one of the biggest tournaments in the world, not just in Africa,” Nwabali said while featuring on SuperSport TV.
“As a big nation, we are always expected to win, not just to participate.
Nigeria lost last year’s final 2-1 against hosts Ivory Coast, and the Chippa United shot-stopper believes that experience has strengthened the squad’s resolve ahead of the 2025 tournament in Morocco.
“Playing the final last year, I feel this year we are going to win it,” he added.
Nwabali’s heroics between the posts in Ivory Coast earned him widespread praise as he became the country’s first-choice goalkeeper.
However, he has come under scrutiny from Nigerians in recent times, following errors, unnecessary antics, and time wasting, which earned him avoidable bookings and almost cost the country during the 2026 World Cup qualifying series.
Before the AFCON, Nwabali and his teammates are still on a long journey to qualifying for the World Cup, billed for the USA, Canada, and Mexico, as they engage in the African playoffs next week.
As coach Eric Chelle drops his list for the playoffs and later the AFCON, Nwabali is expected to be rivalled in goal by Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, who is making a return to the team.
