Nigeria Super Eagles and DR Congo players with pip of Chidozie Awaziem on the pitch (Photo by Imago)
Super Eagles defender Chidozie Awaziem has stated that his major target right now is to win the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with Nigeria, Soccernet.ng reports.
The 2025 AFCON is set to kick off on December 21 in Morocco, and the Super Eagles will be hoping to claim a fourth title.
The Super Eagles enter the competition facing a lot of pressure and tension. They failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite being given a second opportunity via the playoffs. As such, Eric Chelle and his lads know that they have to perform.
A provisional 55-man list was revealed on Tuesday, and while the regulars made the squad, some new faces were added. One of the regulars was Awaziem, who has garnered 35 caps since making his debut in 2017.
Barring any unforeseen circumstances, the 28-year-old defender, who turns 29 in January, is expected to make the final squad to Morocco.
It would be a merited spot too, as Awaziem has featured in all 14 games for which he has been available at Nantes this season.
Speaking on the club’s website in a recent interview, the former Boavista man admitted that his major target is indeed to win the competition with Nigeria.
“Winning the AFCON is my focus with Nigeria. I don’t like to dwell on not qualifying for the World Cup. For us, for the country, for our loved ones, we have to correct this mistake,” Awaziem said.
The last time Nigeria won the AFCON was in 2013, when coach Stephen Keshi led the team to success in South Africa.
Now, even though there are players in the squad who are playing for top clubs across Europe, the jury is still out on the team. They have often flattered to deceive, even against the weakest of oppositions.
The Super Eagles finished second in the 2023 edition of the competition, but they have regressed since then.
Hosts, Morocco are the favourites according to the power rankings. But there are also other decent teams like DR Congo, Ivory Coast, and Cameroon.
As it stands, the belief in the team is very low. Nonetheless, Awaziem will be hoping that things go the way of him and his teammates when the competition kicks off.
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations will kick off on December 21 and run until January 18, 2026.