With the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations simply days away, Tremendous Eagles centre-back Chidozie Awaziem has delivered one of many boldest declarations from the Nigerian camp: Nigeria should win AFCON; nothing else issues.
The 2025 match, billed for 21 December to 18 January in Morocco, arrives at a turbulent second for Nigerian soccer.
The nation continues to be reeling from the emotional wreckage of lacking the 2026 FIFA World Cup twice.
After stumbling via the qualifiers and failing once more within the playoffs, strain on the Tremendous Eagles has by no means been greater.
Now beneath new head coach Eric Chelle, the mission is brutally easy: redeem a wounded soccer nation.
AWAZIEM: A defender in type, a frontrunner in focus
Named within the not too long ago launched 55-man provisional squad, Chidozie Awaziem is likely one of the reliable regulars anticipated to make the ultimate reduce.
With 35 worldwide caps since his 2017 debut, ever-present for Nantes, enjoying in all 14 matches he has been out there for this season. Turning 29 in January, coming into the prime of his profession
Awaziem’s consistency at Nantes has reignited his relevance to Nigeria’s nationwide staff, and his mindset mirrors Nigeria’s urgency.
Talking to Nantes’ official web site, he made his ambitions unmistakably clear:
“Profitable the AFCON is my focus with Nigeria. I don’t wish to dwell on not qualifying for the World Cup. For us, for the nation, for our family members, we’ve to appropriate this error.”
It’s a rallying cry, a declaration that the staff owes the nation redemption after one of many lowest moments in its trendy soccer historical past.
A staff with expertise, however 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 2 consecutive World Cups.
Sure, the Tremendous Eagles boast gamers throughout Europe’s elite leagues. However the fact stays: The staff has lacked consistency. Performances typically dip in opposition to supposedly weaker opposition. For the reason that 2023 AFCON (the place Nigeria completed as runners-up), the staff has regressed, each tactically and psychologically.
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In the meantime, host nation Morocco sit atop most energy rankings, armed with depth, stability, and a ferocious residence crowd. DR Congo, Ivory Coast, and Cameroon are all well-built models able to derailing any contender.
Confidence amongst Nigerian followers is low, and understandably so. However in match soccer, perception contained in the dressing room issues greater than perception outdoors it. And Awaziem is amongst these attempting to spark that inside fireplace.
The countdown begins
As Nigeria prepares for a gruelling AFCON marketing campaign from December 21 to January 18, Awaziem’s message stands tall:
This isn’t nearly soccer. It’s about restoring satisfaction. It’s about correcting a mistake that embarrassed hundreds of thousands. It’s about proving the Tremendous Eagles can rise once more.
Whether or not Nigeria really has what it takes stays to be seen. However one factor is obvious: Awaziem is prepared for a combat, and he expects his teammates to match his starvation in Morocco.
