By Korede James
Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has expressed confidence that the team have what it takes to qualify from their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations group and fight for the title.
Nigeria were placed in Group C with Tunisia, Uganda and Tanzania during the draw for the tournament in Rabat, Morocco on Monday night.
They will open their campaign with Tanzania on December 23 and face Tunisia four days lster.
The three-time African champions will round off the group phase against Uganda on December 30.
Reflecting on the draw, Troost-Ekong, however, said their Group C opponents must not be underrated.
“AFCON 2025 draw now over, very exciting to see the new group,” Troost-Ekong said in a video clip posted on social media.
“Tunisia, Uganda, Tanzania, three teams that need to be respected. I think we have the experience now to handle these situations.
“There’s no such thing as easy games in Africa but I believe we have everything in our team to make sure we come out of this group and this time go all the way.”
The 31-year-old expressed the team’s readiness to better the feat of the last tournament in Cote d’Ivoire, when they lost in the final to the hosts.
“We learnt so much last year from the AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire but this time we will be more ready and we are working hard throughout the year to make sure everyone is fit and ready and everyone is ready to get going under the new coach,” the Saudi Arabia-based centre-back added.
“Exciting year ahead and very happy with the AFCON draw.”
The Super Eagles will be coming up against Tunisia for the seventh time at the AFCON.
The last meeting between both teams saw Tunisia win 1-0 in the round of 16 at the 2021 edition in Cameroon.
The first and only time the Super Eagles faced Uganda at the AFCON was in the semi-finals in 1978.
For Tanzania, it will be a second meeting with the Super Eagles at the continental showpiece since their group stage clash in 1980.
