Tremendous Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi has expressed confidence in Nigeria’s preparedness and mindset forward of their opening Group C fixture towards Tanzania on the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
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Nigeria go into the encounter with a robust pedigree on the continental showpiece, having suffered only one defeat of their final 14 AFCON group-stage matches, a run that features 10 wins and three attracts.
The Tremendous Eagles have additionally remained unbeaten of their opening match in every of the final three AFCON tournaments.
Tanzania, then again, are making solely their fourth look on the Africa Cup of Nations. The Taifa Stars are but to register a victory on the finals, enduring a 10-match winless run and shedding all three of their earlier opening video games.
Talking on the pre-match press convention, Ndidi highlighted the optimistic ambiance within the Nigerian camp and careworn the significance of setting the tone early within the competitors.
“The spirit within the camp may be very excessive, we’re very energised. This recreation is essential for us, it’s the sport that units the momentum. The blokes are prepared, everybody is prepared, from the gamers to the employees, everybody is concentrated on this recreation,” Ndidi mentioned.
Just lately confirmed as Nigeria’s new captain following the worldwide retirement of William Troost-Ekong, the Besiktas midfielder performed down any stress related to the position, insisting he feels effectively supported throughout the squad.
“To be sincere, there’s no stress. We’ve received senior gamers within the group serving to out, with the assistance of the coach and staffs. I’ve been right here studying from the previous captain Troost-Ekong so there’s no stress in any respect,” he added.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s runners-up end on the final AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire, Ndidi believes the expertise has strengthened the group’s resolve going into the Morocco match.
“There are many classes learnt from the earlier AFCON in Cote D’Ivoire. We set the usual attending to the ultimate, however sadly we couldn’t get the trophy. We can not go beneath that. The requirements are already excessive so the group is prepared for that. This is a chance for us,” he mentioned.
Regardless of Nigeria being broadly thought to be favourites towards Tanzania, Ndidi cautioned towards complacency, stressing that each group on the match deserves respect.
“Each nation that has certified for the AFCON can’t be underrated. They’re able to competing for the trophy. We as Nigerians are right here to contend, not simply to compete,” he famous.
Ndidi additionally spoke concerning the motivation driving the squad as they pursue a fourth AFCON title for Nigeria, pointing to the collective starvation throughout the group and the expectations of Nigerians again residence.
“The inspiration comes from the group and from Nigerians, what we’ve gone via earlier than and what we’re anticipating now. The inspiration is what we now have at hand and what we’re going to do. We’re targeted on this AFCON, and we’ll see what’s subsequent,” he concluded.
The Tremendous Eagles will face Tanzania on the Complexe Sportif de Fès at 6:30pm on Tuesday. Nigeria have by no means misplaced to the Taifa Stars in six earlier conferences. The opposite Group C fixture between Tunisia and Uganda shall be performed later within the night on the Stade Olympique de Rabat.
