Ndidi targets AFCON final

Nigeria captain Wilfred Ndidi says the Super Eagles cannot afford to fall below the level they set at the last Africa Cup of Nations as they prepare to open their 2025 campaign against Tanzania in Fez on Tuesday (today), PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Speaking ahead of the Group C opener, Ndidi stressed that the experience of finishing runners-up in Ivory Coast has raised expectations within the squad and sharpened their focus as they seek to go one step further in Morocco.

Nigeria reached the final of the 2023 tournament before losing to hosts Ivory Coast, extending their wait for a fourth continental title to 12 years. Ndidi said that run had established a benchmark the current squad must now meet or exceed.

“A lot of lessons were learnt in the previous AFCON and we set the standard by getting to the final,” he said.

“Unfortunately we could not get the trophy, but we cannot go below that. The standards are already high, the team is ready for that and everyone is aware. Everyone is in tune with what happened, including the fact that we also did not qualify for the World Cup.”

The Super Eagles begin the tournament amid a period of transition, with Éric Chelle appointed head coach in January and Ndidi taking on the captaincy for the first time at a major finals. Expectations have been tempered by injuries and recent defeats against DR Congo and Egypt, yet Nigeria remain one of the most consistent sides in the competition.

They have not lost any of their last six Africa Cup of Nations group games, winning five and drawing one, and have kept a clean sheet in each of their last four meetings with Tanzania.

Ndidi addressed the integration of several first-time tournament participants, insisting unity rather than hierarchy has defined the camp.

“The new boys have blended so well with the help of experienced players, officials and staff,” he said.

“We are all football players, irrespective of where we play, age or position. We are here to represent the country and we are focused on one goal. There is no senior player or younger player, we are just one group ready for the fight for the AFCON trophy.”

Nigeria face a Tanzania side appearing at successive finals for the first time and seeking a first-ever victory at the tournament.

The Taifa Stars qualified by finishing second in Group H behind DR Congo, but a change in leadership followed, with Argentine coach Miguel Gamondi appointed in November. Tanzania arrive in Fez on a seven-match winless run across all competitions and have failed to score in six of their last eight Africa Cup of Nations matches, conceding in each of their last six fixtures.

Despite the contrast in pedigree, Ndidi warned against complacency in a competition renowned for early shocks.

“Every team playing in the AFCON will not be underrated. They are also capable of competing for the trophy, but we as Nigerians are not just competing, we are here to contend,” he said.

Historically, the fixture has favoured Nigeria. This will be the ninth meeting between the sides, with the Super Eagles unbeaten, recording five wins and three draws, and conceding just three goals. Seven of Nigeria’s last eight matches have been level at half-time, a pattern that underlines their control in games even when margins are tight.

For Ndidi, leading the team carries personal significance, but he said his motivation is collective.

“The inspiration is from the team and from Nigerians, from what we have gone through before and what we are going to achieve,” he said.