Tijani Babangida calls on Nigeria to shine at AFCON after World Cup heartbreak

Nigeria failed to secure one of Africa's 48 qualifying spots for the expanded World Cup after suffering a heartbreaking penalty shootout defeat to DR Congo in the play-off final.

The Super Eagles had finished top of Group C-containing South Africa, Benin, Zimbabwe, Rwanda and Lesotho-but were unable to complete the job after dispatching Gabon 4-1 in the preceding play-off round.

Babangida, a gold medallist with Nigeria's iconic 1996 Olympic team, believes the AFCON presents the perfect opportunity for redemption.

"I think that after the unfortunate experience of missing the FIFA World Cup back to back, it is still very painful to digest this reality," he told Tribal Football.

"However, the next target is the AFCON tournament, which can be used to redeem the image of Nigerian football. For the NFF, the players and stakeholders, all we have now is the AFCON. We have to do everything we can to win it."

Babangida acknowledged the difficulty of the tournament - especially with Africa's top World Cup-bound nations also competing - but remains confident the Super Eagles can rise to the occasion.

"The tournament will not be easy, but the Super Eagles may surprise the world and go all the way," he said.

"I think the team can bring the Cup back to Nigeria after more than 12 years. I see Nigeria playing in the final at least, and anything can happen in a final. The team reached the last final and only narrowly lost to Côte d'Ivoire."

He believes winning the title would heal the fractures caused by the failed World Cup campaign.

"If the Super Eagles win the AFCON, the team will be forgiven for the pain of missing the World Cup. It will show that the qualifiers were just a rough patch," he added.

"Winning the AFCON will unite the fans and players again and send a message that Nigeria is still the best in Africa. It can be the springboard toward qualifying for the 2030 World Cup."

Nigeria have been drawn in Group C for AFCON 2025, alongside Tanzania, Uganda and Tunisia.