Former African Footballer of the Year Victor Ikpeba has challenged the Super Eagles to prioritize collective discipline over individual stardom if they are to secure continental glory at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
The former Monaco forward, a veteran of Nigeria’s golden era, insists that while the current roster is arguably one of the most talented in recent history, the “Prince of Monaco” believes the trophy will remain elusive without a tactical shift toward unity.
Preparation is Paramount: Ikpeba stressed that talent alone cannot bridge the gap created by poor tournament logistics and short training windows.
The “Unit” Philosophy: He warned against relying on moments of individual brilliance, urging the coaching staff to foster a “group-stage-to-final” cohesive identity.
Favorite Status: Despite a narrow miss in the previous edition, Nigeria remains a heavyweight contender, but Ikpeba notes that expectations must be met with rigorous discipline.
“We have individual talents, but the team must play as a unit… If they do that, we will lift the trophy.” — Victor Ikpeba
Nigeria enters the tournament as three-time champions, hungry to redeem their recent silver-medal finish. With stars performing at the highest levels in Europe, the pressure is mounting on the Super Eagles to translate club form into a cohesive national force.
For Ikpeba, the blueprint is simple: Preparation + Unity = Success.
