Super Eagles captain, Wilfred Ndidi has described Nigeria’s painful exit from the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon as an important reminder for the current squad to remain focused, disciplined and fully prepared as the tournament enters the knockout phase.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of Nigeria’s Round of 16 encounter against the Mambas of Mozambique, the Besiktas midfielder stressed that while the past offers lessons, it must not become a distraction for a team determined to move forward.
“It is just a reminder, it’s not focusing on the past, yes history is always there.”
“Most of the players here were not part of the team in Cameroon, they mostly saw it on television so it’s just to remind them that you can be very good at this point but at the next point if you aren’t ready you can be knocked.”
As the Super Eagles prepare to face Mozambique, Ndidi served both the words of a leader and warning.
He reminded the team that dominance in the group stage guarantees nothing beyond it, because, progression will depend not on reputation or past results, but on focus, readiness and performance on the day.
Super Eagles Focused Firmly on Mozambique
Captain Ndidi was emphatic that the Super Eagles’ attention is firmly fixed on the immediate task, which is overcoming Mozambique and progressing to the next round of the competition.
“Mostly we are focused on the next team (Mozambique). This is our team, and we are going into the next game to get something out of it.”
“What happened before is just a reminder, it’s nothing serious, we must just focus on the next game.”
The captain’s message to the team is the importance of mental sharpness and avoiding complacency, regardless of how impressive the team’s form has been so far.
Echoes of Cameroon 2021
These comments from the Super Eagles camp come against the backdrop of an unsettling parallel.
At the 2021 AFCON, the Super Eagles enjoyed a flawless group-stage campaign, including a famous victory over seven-time champions Egypt, only to suffer a shock Round of 16 defeat to Tunisia.
A similar narrative has emerged at the 2025 AFCON in Morocco, with Nigeria once again recording a perfect group stage, including another victory over Tunisia, prompting discussions around a so-called “group stage winners’ curse.”
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Read More: AFCON2025: Eric Chelle Looks to Break RO16 Defeat Curse From Past Experience
Eric Chelle Dismisses ‘Curse’ Talk
Super Eagles head coach Eric Sékou Chelle has, however, played down comparisons with past tournaments, insisting that this squad is fundamentally different in outlook and mentality.
According to the Franco-Malian tactician, the team’s emphasis is on growth, discipline and execution, rather than historical patterns.
With confidence high but caution firmly in place, Nigeria head into the knockout stage aware of both their quality and the fine margins that define AFCON football.
Fixture: Nigeria vs Mozambique
Venue: Complexe Sportif De Fes, Morocco
Time: 20:00 GMT+1 (8pm Nigerian Time)
