Daily Mentor News

 

Super Eagles centre-back Igoh Ogbu has confidently declared that hosts Morocco hold no unique advantage over the other teams Nigeria has faced in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025), insisting the Atlas Lions are "not different" from previous opponents.
Speaking to the media ahead of Wednesday's highly anticipated semifinal showdown in Rabat, the defender emphasized the team's strong unity, happiness within the camp, and unwavering focus as they prepare to battle for a place in the final.
Ogbu highlighted that the Super Eagles have treated every match with the same seriousness and have emerged victorious so far, setting the tone for their approach against Morocco.
Key excerpts from his comments include:

• “We are ready. You can see the guys, they are happy and we are all happy as a family. So, we are ready. You should expect us just like we do in every other game when we go out. Every other game is important, and we’ve won them so far. Every team is difficult. So Morocco is not different. So for we we just need to focus and that’s all we ever want.”
• On the team's spiritual strength and belief: “So, we believe God is with us, and we believe we can achieve even more. The spiritual aspect is the most important because with God, everything is possible, and that’s what we rely on because we are Nigerians. We always go to every place and we fight hard to win and become champions, and that’s exactly what we’re going to do.”
• Addressing the challenge of playing in a hostile environment with strong home support for Morocco: “You know the players have been playing at a top level. So this isn’t the first time I’ve met all these fans. So we’re going to do great.”

Ogbu's remarks reflect the growing confidence within the Nigerian squad, which has maintained an impressive unbeaten run throughout the tournament. Despite the pressure of facing the hosts—who are backed by passionate local fans the defender stressed that the team will stick to their proven formula of focus, togetherness, and determination.
The Super Eagles enter the clash as one of the form teams in the competition, having consistently delivered results against tough opposition. Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see if Nigeria can overcome the home advantage and secure a spot in the final.
No response has been reported yet from the Moroccan camp to Ogbu's comments. The winner of this semifinal will advance to contest the AFCON title, with Nigeria aiming to add to their record as continental champions.