Rangers defender Leon Balogun has revealed that the Super Eagles must be focused and perform at the highest level, in order to have a chance of achieving success at the 2025 African Nations Cup.
Nigeria have been placed in Group C of Africa’s biggest event scheduled to host later this year in Morocco alongside Tunisia, Tanzania and Uganda and will hope to do better than their second-placed finish in the 2023 edition, where they lost 2-1 in the finals to host country Ivory Coast.
“The AFCON, well, it’s a tournament. You want to win. Every team that comes there comes there with ambition.
So, yes, you have to take it for what it is. If they want to be the champions of Africa, (Nigeria) probably have a point to prove after the last AFCON”, Balogun said.
The former Mainz defender who will hope to make a comeback for the three-time African Champions under new coach Eric Chelle after impressing for his club side, believes the team has enough firepower to come out victorious in Morocco.
“This clear plan will certainly also be necessary for the World Cup qualifiers because we are in a precarious situation where we cannot afford to lose points. Therefore, maximum concentration and the highest level of performance are required”, he added.
Shina Oludare is a distinguished sports journalist and managing editor, renowned for his comprehensive coverage of African football. His dedication to elevating African sports on the global stage has earned him widespread respect, along with numerous accolades for his contributions. A graduate of the LaLiga Business School in Madrid, Oludare’s passion for sports and his influential work in African football journalism have established him as a leading figure in the industry.
