FORMER Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel has thrown his weight behind Nigeria’s quest for continental glory, urging the national team to “bring it home” as preparations intensify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
News Point Nigeria Sports reports that Mikel’s rallying call came shortly after Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle unveiled his final 28-man squad for the tournament on Thursday, marking a decisive moment in Nigeria’s build-up to the championship scheduled for next month.
The three-time African champions are aiming to secure a fourth AFCON title, following previous triumphs in 1980, 1994 and 2013. Victory in Morocco would be particularly significant for Nigeria after a turbulent spell that saw the Eagles miss out on qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, raising questions about the team’s long-term direction.
Coach Chelle had earlier named a 55-man provisional squad, which was gradually whittled down to meet the Confederation of African Football’s deadline for final submissions.
The trimmed list blends experience with fresh faces, as several young players earned call-ups in a squad designed to inject energy and competition.
However, the final selection also produced notable omissions. Players such as Christantus Uche, goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, and striker Tolu Arokodare failed to make the cut, decisions that have already sparked debate among fans and pundits.
Reacting to the announcement via his official Instagram page, Mikel—who captained Nigeria to AFCON glory in 2013—posted a short but powerful message:
“Bring it home lads.”
The message resonated strongly with supporters, especially given Mikel’s iconic status and his role in Nigeria’s last continental triumph.
Despite recent struggles against lower-ranked opposition, Nigeria remains one of the tournament favourites, thanks to the depth of talent in the squad and a history of rising to the occasion when expectations are tempered.
That pattern was evident at the 2023 AFCON, where the Super Eagles defied critics to reach the final before losing narrowly to hosts Côte d’Ivoire.
