Leon Balogun, the seasoned defender for Rangers and the Super Eagles, has expressed unwavering confidence in Nigeria’s ability to claim the title at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. The tournament, set to be held in Morocco, presents a golden opportunity for the Super Eagles to reclaim their dominance on the African stage after a 12-year drought since their last triumph in South Africa.
Balogun, who has been a mainstay in the Nigerian defense, emphasized the importance of ambition, confidence, and a clear plan for the team to succeed. The AFCON, well, it’s a tournament,” Balogun told Flashscore.com. “You want to win. Every team that comes there, comes there with ambition.” He added, “So, yes, you have to take it for what it is. If they want to be the champions of Africa, (Nigeria) probably have a point to prove after the last AFCON.
The Super Eagles’ journey to the 2025 AFCON has been marked by both highs and lows. The team reached the final in the last edition of the competition in Côte d’Ivoire, only to lose 2-1 to the hosts. Balogun believes that this experience, coupled with the lessons learned, will be crucial in their quest for the title. “So, you have to go there with a lot of ambition, a lot of confidence, but also with a clear plan,” he said.
The Super Eagles have been drawn in Group C for the tournament, alongside North African giants Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania. The team’s campaign will kick off against the Taifa Stars of Tanzania on December 23, 2025. Balogun stressed the need for maximum concentration and the highest level of performance to navigate the challenging group stage and advance to the knockout rounds.
Balogun’s leadership and experience will be vital for the Super Eagles as they prepare for the tournament. The 36-year-old defender, who has been a consistent performer for both club and country, is determined to help Nigeria achieve glory. “We are really disappointed, we had a good first half. We conceded that goal. I’ll be honest, we got killed off a bit, from a potential yellow card (against them) to an exclusion against us. We were punished for an action where Benfica’s fullback could have been booked and we were the ones getting booked. It’s not a good result, let’s be honest. There’s still the return leg and we’re staying positive,” Balogun said.
The Super Eagles’ preparations for the 2025 AFCON have been rigorous, with coach Eric Chelle leading the team through a series of training camps and friendly matches. Chelle, who took over the reins from former coach Gernot Rohr, has instilled a sense of discipline and tactical awareness in the squad. The team’s defensive solidity, a hallmark of Balogun’s tenure, will be crucial in their bid to lift the trophy.
Balogun’s belief in the Super Eagles’ potential is shared by many fans and analysts who see the team as one of the favorites to win the title. The Nigerian squad boasts a mix of experienced players and promising talents, making them a formidable force in African football. The team’s recent performances, including their impressive showing at the 2024 AFCON, have bolstered their confidence and raised expectations for the upcoming tournament.
As the countdown to the 2025 AFCON begins, the Super Eagles are focused on fine-tuning their tactics and ensuring that every player is in peak condition. Balogun’s leadership and experience will be crucial in guiding the team through the challenges that lie ahead. The defender, who has been a vocal advocate for the team’s success, remains optimistic about their chances. “We have players who can step in and take on the responsibility,” Balogun said. “It’s a tough situation, but we’ll find a way to make it work.”
The Super Eagles’ journey to the 2025 AFCON is a testament to their resilience and determination. Balogun’s unwavering belief in the team’s ability to claim the title serves as a rallying cry for fans and players alike. As the tournament approaches, the focus will be on executing the game plan and delivering a performance worthy of the champions of Africa.
In conclusion, Leon Balogun’s confidence in the Super Eagles’ ability to claim the title at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations highlights the team’s potential and determination. The tournament in Morocco presents a golden opportunity for Nigeria to reclaim their dominance on the African stage. With Balogun’s leadership and the team’s collective effort, the Super Eagles are poised to make a strong bid for the trophy and bring glory to the nation.
