“It’s not by magic” – Ex-Super Eagles coach reveals how Nigeria can beat Benin, Rwanda to AFCON 2025 ticket

Former Nigerian national team coach Adeboye Onigbinde has outlined how the Super Eagles can secure their place in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Soccernet.ng reports.

Onigbinde believes all the teams in the qualifiers have an equal chance of reaching the tournament, citing the recent World Cup qualifiers as evidence.

Nigeria’s recent performances have been mixed, with 1-1 draws against Lesotho, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, and a loss to the Benin Republic. This has left their World Cup qualification hopes in jeopardy.

In the AFCON 2025 qualifiers, the Super Eagles have been drawn to face Benin, Libya, and Rwanda in Group D.

Onigbinde emphasised that thorough preparation is crucial for the Super Eagles to succeed. He stressed that the key to qualifying lies in the administration and the technical crew’s efforts.

“All the teams in the group have equal chances of qualifying for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations because it’s a game of eleven players,” Onigbinde told Complete Sports.

“Everything depends on how the Super Eagles prepare for their qualifying campaign. Mind you, it’s not automatic, and it’s not by magic.

“How we prepare depends on our administration and technical crew, which will be key to the success of the team.”

AFCON 2025 is scheduled to take place in Morocco from December 21 to January 18.

Nigeria, who last won the AFCON in 2013, reached the final of the last edition but were defeated by hosts Cote d’Ivoire.

The Super Eagles, three-time AFCON champions, are determined to lift the trophy once again.