Nigeria’s football leaders have united in a defiant message ahead of the AFCON 2025 semi-final clash with hosts Morocco, insisting the Super Eagles will not be intimidated by crowd pressure, refereeing controversy or off-field politics.
Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) president Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau and technical director Augustin Eguavoen have downplayed concerns over the hostile atmosphere in Rabat.
They said Nigeria has a firm focus on performance, mentality and execution on the pitch.
“Football is played on the pitch, not in politics” – NFF President
Ahead of the high-stakes match at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Gusau dismissed concerns about refereeing influence, crowd intimidation and allegations of favoritism towards the hosts.
He emphasized that once the game begins, the external narrative becomes irrelevant.
“Soccer is played on the field of play. It’s 11-on-11. All the political stuff that people talk about happens before the game.”
“Once the match starts, it’s up to the players and the middle referee. By extension, it’s about 25 people on the pitch who decide the outcome,” Gusau said.
The NFF president maintained that the Super Eagles are mentally strong and fully prepared for this occasion.
“Our players understand this, they are ready and they are not afraid of anything. Forget about politics. Our players are focused and ready to work.”
Hostile atmosphere in Rabat
The semi-final is expected to take place in a very enthusiastic environment, with reports saying the 53,000-seater stadium will be largely filled with Moroccan supporters.
Their overwhelming home presence is widely interpreted as an attempt to intimidate not only the Super Eagles but also match officials.
Pre-match conversations have also been dominated by concerns about refereeing decisions, especially after allegations that Morocco benefited from controversial decisions earlier in the tournament.
One oft-mentioned incident is when Tanzania were denied a penalty that many believed they were entitled to in their Round of 16 encounter.
Despite these narratives, Gusau insists Nigeria remains unfazed.
“These are the games Nigeria loves” – Eguavoen
Nigeria’s technical director, Augustine Eguavoen, echoed Gusau’s confidence, describing the game against Morocco as a high-pressure game that would bring out the best in the Nigerian team.
Drawing on his experience as a former player and coach, Eguavoen said the big game will ignite hunger in the Super Eagles.
“This is the type of game Nigeria likes to play. Even when I was playing, it’s a big game where you could see the hunger of the Nigerian team,” he said.
Eguavoen acknowledged Morocco’s quality and motivation as hosts, but predicted it would be a close match.
“Nothing will be taken away from the Moroccans, because they have the same hunger. They are encouraged. Let me use that word.”
“It will be a very tough game and it will be decided by a close victory.”
Eguavoen has been Nigeria’s Technical Director since 2020 and brings deep experience to the role.
A former Super Eagles international, he had a glittering career winning the African Cup of Nations and playing a key role in Nigeria’s first-ever FIFA World Cup qualification.
He also led the Super Eagles in the 2021 AFCON, where Nigeria had a good performance by winning all their group games, although they lost to Tunisia in the Round of 16.
