Ijeh Urges Eagles to Seek AFCON Redemption

Former Nigeria international Peter Ijeh has issued a passionate call to the Super Eagles, urging them to channel the immense disappointment of their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification failure into fuel for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The ex-player believes the recent heartbreak should serve as a powerful catalyst for redemption.

The Super Eagles’ dreams of competing on the global stage were dramatically shattered just one week ago. They suffered a painful defeat, losing 4-3 on penalties to the Democratic Republic of Congo in the final of the African playoffs.

This agonizing miss has left the national team, managed by Eric Chelle, facing intense scrutiny and pressure to deliver a major trophy. The AFCON 2025 finals in Morocco now represent the primary opportunity for the squad to redeem their standing among Nigerian fans.

Ijeh made his motivational appeal public during an interview on Brila FM, stressing that the players must view the missed World Cup not as a defeat, but as a driving force.

“Missing next year’s World Cup should be a motivating factor for Super Eagles players to go and win the AFCON,” Ijeh firmly stated, demanding a shift in the team’s psychological focus.

He emphasized that the AFCON tournament offers a crucial chance for the players to rectify the disappointment of the failed World Cup campaign.

“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,” he advised, urging the squad to embrace forward-looking pragmatism.

The Super Eagles have been drawn into Group C for the tournament, where they will face Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania, setting up a competitive initial phase.

The Nigerian team is set to commence its quest for the continental title against the Taifa Stars of Tanzania.

Their opening campaign match will take place in the city of Fez on Tuesday, December 23, marking the official start of their redemptive journey.

Ijeh’s counsel highlights a shared understanding that the AFCON trophy is the immediate and most vital goal for the team, necessary to regain the trust and enthusiasm of the nation following their World Cup setback.