Former Super Eagles forward Chidi Egwuekwe has warned Nigeria’s current generation of players against underestimating their Africa Cup of Nations opponents, ahead of the tournament’s Group L campaign.
Speaking ahead of Nigeria’s opening match against Madagascar in Uyo on September 25, Egwuekwe emphasized that the current squad must respect all opponents, citing the team’s failure to qualify for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations as a cautionary tale.
"Nigeria cannot afford to take any opponent lightly," Egwuekwe said. "The team that failed to qualify in 2023 did so because of complacency. Eric Chelle’s men begin their Group L campaign against Madagascar in Uyo on September 25 before facing Guinea-Bissau four days later. We must learn from the past and approach every game with the seriousness it deserves."
The warning comes as Nigeria prepares for a Group L that also includes Guinea. The three-time African champions are targeting a strong showing in the tournament, but Egwuekwe’s remarks highlight the fine line between confidence and complacency.
Madagascar, who earned a historic qualification for the 2023 AFCON, will provide the opening test. The Malagasy side famously held Nigeria to a goalless draw in a 2022 friendly, a result that Egwuekwe referenced as evidence that no opponent should be dismissed.
Guinea-Bissau, making their second consecutive AFCON appearance, complete the group. The Syli National, as they are known, have shown they can compete with established African powers and will be motivated to cause an upset against the Giants of Africa.
Nigeria’s technical crew, led by newly appointed coach Eric Chelle, has been working to rebuild a squad that missed the 2023 tournament. The French-Malian coach, who took over earlier this year, has been emphasizing discipline and tactical awareness in his early sessions.
Egwuekwe, a member of Nigeria’s 1994 AFCON-winning squad, stressed that the current players have the talent to succeed but must bring the right mindset. "Talent alone won’t cut it," he said. "You have to respect the game and respect your opponents. If you underestimate Madagascar or Guinea-Bissau, you will pay the price."
The Super Eagles will be eager to return to winning ways in Africa’s premier tournament. Last appearing in 2021, where they finished as runners-up, Nigeria will be looking to end their early exit and make a deep run under Chelle’s guidance.
As the September 25 opener approaches, all eyes will be on Uyo to see whether Nigeria heeds the warning from one of their own or whether history repeats itself.