Ndidi plays down pressure as Super Eagles face Tanzania in AFCON opener

By Tosin Omojola –

Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi has moved quickly to play down any feelings of tension or pressure within the Nigerian camp as the team gets set to open its 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign in Morocco against Tanzania.

The Super Eagles, still licking the wounds of their failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, will hope to appease Nigerians with a positive outing at the AFCON.

Beaming with confidence while speaking at a pre-match press conference on Monday ahead of Nigeria’s Group C opener against Tanzania, the midfielder painted a picture of a relaxed, focused and united squad determined to set the right tone from the very first whistle.

According to Ndidi, the mood around the team is positive, professional and driven by collective belief rather than fear of expectations.

“The spirit in camp is very high, and this game is very important for us because it sets the momentum. Everyone is ready, from the players to the coaching crew and the backroom staff. Our focus is fully on this first game, and we know how important it is to start well.”

“To be honest, there is no pressure,” Ndidi added. “We have experienced senior players in the team, and everyone is helping one another alongside the coach and the manager.

“I have been part of this system long before becoming captain, so I understand the environment very well. We are calm, confident and ready,” said the former Leicester City star.

“The opening fixture against Tanzania is more than just another group game. It represents a critical moment to establish rhythm, confidence and authority in a tournament where slow starts often prove costly,” he added.