Former Super Eagles captain Joseph Yobo has advised Nigeria to approach their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) group-stage matches with caution, following the draw which placed Nigeria in Group C alongside Tunisia, Tanzania, and Uganda.
As three-time AFCON champions and runners-up in the last tournament in Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria are considered strong contenders for the title in Morocco.
However, Yobo, who led the Super Eagles to their last AFCON triumph in 2013, cautioned that the group stage will be a key test for the team.
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Nigeria will begin their campaign against Tanzania on December 23, followed by a crucial match against Tunisia on December 27, and will conclude the group stage against Uganda on December 30 at Fez Stadium, where all their group games will take place.
Super Eagles players celebrating during the AFCON qualifiers in Uyo
Yobo, a former defender for Marseille and Everton, emphasized the importance of a strong start to avoid unnecessary pressure later in the tournament.
“A good start is very important. The first two games are very important. It is very, very crucial,” Yobo told ESPN.
While he views Tunisia as Nigeria’s toughest opponent in the group, Yobo stressed that both Uganda and Tanzania should not be underestimated.
“The Tunisia game could be the one that decides the group winners, so if we can take six points from the other two, we don’t want to chase Tunisia,” he explained.
Yobo highlighted Tunisia’s experience and history at AFCON, noting that the match would be a major clash for both sides.
“They are an experienced side, always frequent at the AFCON. We are used to them, we’ve played them many times, even during my own time, and they are used to us as well. So it’s going to be a big clash. It’s the biggest game in our group.”
He also reminded fans that surprises can happen, citing the last AFCON, where underdog teams pulled off unexpected results.
“On paper, Uganda and Tanzania might be the underdogs, but we saw at the last AFCON—underdogs were pulling surprises.”
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Nigeria has only failed to progress past the AFCON group stages twice: on their debut in 1963 and as defending champions in Libya in 1982.