With the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations just days away, Super Eagles centre-back Chidozie Awaziem has delivered one of the boldest declarations from the Nigerian camp: Nigeria must win AFCON; nothing else matters.
The 2025 tournament, billed for 21 December to 18 January in Morocco, arrives at a turbulent moment for Nigerian football.
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The country is still reeling from the emotional wreckage of missing the 2026 FIFA World Cup twice.
After stumbling through the qualifiers and failing again in the playoffs, pressure on the Super Eagles has never been higher.
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Now under new head coach Eric Chelle, the mission is brutally simple: redeem a wounded football nation.
AWAZIEM: A defender in form, a leader in focus
Named in the recently released 55-man provisional squad, Chidozie Awaziem is one of the dependable regulars expected to make the final cut.
With 35 international caps since his 2017 debut, ever-present for Nantes, playing in all 14 matches he has been available for this season. Turning 29 in January, entering the prime of his career
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Awaziem’s consistency at Nantes has reignited his relevance to Nigeria’s national team, and his mindset mirrors Nigeria’s urgency.
Speaking to Nantes’ official website, he made his ambitions unmistakably clear:
“Winning the AFCON is my focus with Nigeria. I don’t like to dwell on not qualifying for the World Cup. For us, for the country, for our loved ones, we have to correct this mistake.”
It’s a rallying cry, a declaration that the team owes the nation redemption after one of the lowest moments in its modern football history.
A team with talent, but troubles, and a Mount Everest of expectations
Nigeria hasn’t lifted the continental crown since Stephen Keshi’s golden run in 2013, a decade-long drought that feels even heavier after failing to qualify for two consecutive World Cups.
Yes, the Super Eagles boast players across Europe’s elite leagues. But the truth remains: The team has lacked consistency. Performances often dip against supposedly weaker opposition. Since the 2023 AFCON (where Nigeria finished as runners-up), the team has regressed, both tactically and psychologically.
READ ALSO: AFCON 2025: Super Eagles suffer setback as rising star Benjamin Fredrick picks up knee injury
Meanwhile, host nation Morocco sit atop most power rankings, armed with depth, stability, and a ferocious home crowd. DR Congo, Ivory Coast, and Cameroon are all well-built units capable of derailing any contender.
Confidence among Nigerian fans is low, and understandably so. But in tournament football, belief inside the dressing room matters more than belief outside it. And Awaziem is among those trying to spark that internal fire.
The countdown begins
As Nigeria prepares for a gruelling AFCON campaign from December 21 to January 18, Awaziem’s message stands tall:
This is not just about football. It’s about restoring pride. It’s about correcting a mistake that embarrassed millions. It’s about proving the Super Eagles can rise again.
Whether Nigeria truly has what it takes remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: Awaziem is ready for a fight, and he expects his teammates to match his hunger in Morocco.
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