Former Nigerian international Ben Iroha has cautioned the Super Eagles against underestimating their opponents at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco. Speaking from his base in Texas, USA, the ex-defender stressed that no match should be taken lightly, despite Nigeria’s seemingly favorable group-stage draw.
Nigeria finds itself in Group C alongside Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania—a lineup many fans see as an easy path to the knockout rounds. However, Iroha, a key player in Nigeria’s 1994 AFCON-winning squad and a member of their first-ever FIFA World Cup team that same year, sees potential pitfalls in assuming qualification is guaranteed.
“It would be reckless to take any team for granted,” warned Iroha, who played for clubs such as Elche, SBV Vitesse, San Jose Earthquakes, and Watford during his career.
He emphasized that the era of so-called ‘easy’ games is long gone, as footballing standards have risen globally.
“Every nation has improved. No team comes to a tournament unprepared anymore,” he told softfootball.com.
Iroha advised the Super Eagles to approach each match with full intensity, treating every opponent with the same level of respect and focus.
“They must stick to their game plan and play every match like a final,” he urged.
Analyzing Nigeria’s opponents, Iroha pointed out Tunisia’s technical abilities, while noting the physicality of Uganda and Tanzania, factors that could make the group stage highly competitive.
Still, his loyalty to the Super Eagles remains unwavering.
“As a patriotic Nigerian, I’m always rooting for the team. I know the pride of winning this trophy, having lifted it in 1994,” he said.
Nigeria, a three-time AFCON champion (1980, 1994, 2013), will be aiming for a fourth title in Morocco. Meanwhile, Tunisia (2004 winners) will be formidable rivals, and Uganda and Tanzania—still seeking their first continental title—will be eager to make history.