AFCON: Bring it home, Mikel charges Eagles

File photo: Former Super Eagles captain, Mikel Obi

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Former Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel has urged Nigeria’s national team to win the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The ex-Chelsea midfielder made the call after coach Eric Chelle announced his final 28-man squad on Thursday.

Three-time African champions Nigeria will be looking to claim a fourth continental crown next month after a difficult period that saw them fail to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Chelle had earlier revealed a 55-man provisional squad two weeks ago before trimming it down to meet Thursday’s deadline for final rosters.

The final list features some new players hoping to make their international debuts, but high-profile names like Christantus Uche, Maduka Okoye and Tolu Arokodare were excluded.

Mikel, who was integral to Nigeria’s AFCON triumph in 2013, reacted to the squad announcement on Instagram, writing, “Bring it home lads.”

Nigeria remains among the favourites for the tournament despite consistently underperforming against seemingly easier opponents in recent times.

However, the Super Eagles have a history of stepping up when expectations are low, just like the last edition, where they got to the final, and could shock the continent by claiming the title for the fourth time.

Peter, who has been covering sports for PUNCH for close to two years, focuses on combat sports reporting, special features and human angle stories

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