Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali is optimistic about Nigeria’s chances of winning the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, noting that the fans’ expectations are not just for the team to compete but to bring the trophy home, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The 2025 AFCON will be played in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.

Nwabali, who had his breakthrough in the national team as one of Nigeria’s standout performers at the 2023 edition of the tournament in Ivory Coast, said the team has learned valuable lessons from their run to the final last year.

“AFCON is one of the biggest tournaments in the world, not just in Africa,” Nwabali said while featuring on SuperSport TV.

“As a big nation, we are always expected to win, not just to participate.

Nigeria lost last year’s final 2-1 against hosts Ivory Coast, and the Chippa United shot-stopper believes that experience has strengthened the squad’s resolve ahead of the 2025 tournament in Morocco.

Nigeria last won the AFCON in 2013 under late coach Stephen Keshi after wins in 1980 and 1994.

Nwabali’s heroics between the posts in Ivory Coast earned him widespread praise as he became the country’s first-choice goalkeeper.

However, he has come under scrutiny from Nigerians in recent times, following errors, unnecessary antics, and time wasting, which earned him avoidable bookings and almost cost the country during the 2026 World Cup qualifying series.

Before the AFCON, Nwabali and his teammates are still on a long journey to qualifying for the World Cup, billed for the USA, Canada, and Mexico, as they engage in the African playoffs next week.

As coach Eric Chelle drops his list for the playoffs and later the AFCON, Nwabali is expected to be rivalled in goal by Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, who is making a return to the team. (The PUNCH)