Former Tremendous Eagles midfielder Friday Ekpo says Nigeria should instantly shift full consideration to the 2025 AFCON in Morocco, insisting that the frustration of lacking the 2026 World Cup is now behind the group.
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With the event kicking off in lower than two weeks, Ekpo careworn that dwelling on the previous will solely distract from the duty forward.
“The World Cup setback is gone. What issues now’s AFCON. The group should focus fully on what’s coming,” he mentioned.
Ekpo urged the squad and technical crew to undertake a step-by-step strategy, moderately than leaping forward emotionally or tactically. Based on him, success begins with mastering the fundamentals.
“AFCON is about phases. First, get out of the group. Then take into consideration the knockout section. You don’t begin dreaming of the ultimate whenever you haven’t crossed the primary hurdle,” he defined.
Nigeria are housed in Group C alongside Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania, a gaggle many anticipate them to high — however Ekpo warned that overconfidence is harmful.
“Each nation is enhancing. We can not underestimate any group. The coach should research every opponent and have a transparent plan,” he mentioned.
Ekpo highlighted the significance of choosing the fitting squad, not the most well-liked names, insisting that tactical steadiness issues greater than popularity.
“The coach should decide the fitting gamers for the job, not names. AFCON requires bodily, psychological, and technical readiness. Solely the best-prepared gamers ought to go,” he mentioned.
He urged the technical crew to deal with construction, self-discipline, and match-by-match planning.
“You don’t rush expectations. You construct momentum. A strong plan for every stage is what wins tournaments,” he added.
Ekpo concluded by expressing confidence that if Nigeria strategy the event with seriousness and unity, they will restore pleasure to followers throughout the nation.
“If the group stays centered and arranged, they will make Nigerians proud in Morocco. However all the things begins with the fitting mindset now,” he mentioned.
