Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi has described Nigeria’s painful exit from the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon as a timely reminder for the current squad to remain focused, disciplined, and fully prepared as the tournament enters its knockout phase.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of Nigeria’s Round of 16 clash against Mozambique, the Besiktas midfielder stressed that while the past offers valuable lessons, it must not become a psychological burden for a team determined to move forward.
“It is just a reminder; it’s not focusing on the past. Yes, history is always there,” Ndidi said.
“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 one point, but if you aren’t ready at the next stage, you can be knocked out.”
Ndidi’s message was clear: dominance in the group stage guarantees nothing once the knockout rounds begin. Progression, he emphasized, will depend solely on focus, readiness, and performance on the day, not reputation or past achievements.
Super Eagles Focused Firmly on Mozambique
The Super Eagles captain was emphatic that Nigeria’s attention is firmly fixed on the immediate task: overcoming Mozambique and securing a place in the quarter-finals.
“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,” he said.
“What happened before is just a reminder. It’s nothing serious. We must just focus on the next game.”
Ndidi underlined the importance of mental sharpness and warned against complacency, regardless of how impressive Nigeria’s form has been so far in the competition.
Echoes of Cameroon 2021
Ndidi’s comments come against the backdrop of an unsettling parallel.
At the 2021 AFCON, Nigeria recorded a flawless group-stage campaign, including a famous win over seven-time champions Egypt, only to suffer a shock Round of 16 defeat to Tunisia.
At AFCON 2025 in Morocco, the Super Eagles have once again completed a perfect group stage, including another victory over Tunisia, fueling discussions about a so-called “group-stage winners’ curse.”
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.
The Franco-Malian tactician maintains that the team’s focus is on growth, discipline, and execution, rather than historical narratives.
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.
Match Details
Fixture: Nigeria vs Mozambique
Venue: Complexe Sportif de Fès, Morocco
Kick-off: 20:00 GMT+1 (8:00pm Nigerian Time)
