Former Nigeria international Peter Ijeh has urged the Super Eagles to use their recent World Cup setback as motivation to chase glory at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Nigeria missed out on a ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup after suffering a 4–3 penalty shootout defeat to the Democratic Republic of Congo in the final of the African playoffs last week.
Ijeh, speaking on Brila FM, said the disappointment should serve as a springboard for the team heading into the continental championship. According to him, the players must approach the tournament in Morocco with a point to prove.
“Missing next year’s World Cup should be a motivating factor for Super Eagles players to go and win the AFCON,” he said, adding that the competition offers a fresh chance to correct past failures. “The AFCON is another opportunity for the players to make amends because what has gone has gone; there is nothing they can do about it.”
The Super Eagles have been drawn into Group C, where they will face Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania. Nigeria will open their campaign against the Taifa Stars of Tanzania in Fez on Tuesday, December 23.
