By Nworisa Michael
The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has praised the Super Eagles for their impressive performance at the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, while urging the team to remain calm, disciplined and focused as the tournament enters its decisive phase.
In a statement issued on Monday, SWAN President, Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, through the association’s Secretary-General, Ikenna Okonkwo, said the Super Eagles’ displays so far have earned admiration across the continent. The statement was released on January 6, 2026.
Benjamin noted that Nigeria’s Round of 16 victory over Mozambique attracted strong support from neutral fans, describing the team as one of the major attractions of the tournament.
“The Super Eagles are now the attraction of football fans from all over Africa and beyond,” he said.
While commending Nigeria’s unbeaten run, the SWAN president cautioned that tougher challenges lie ahead, especially from the quarter-final stage onward.
“The competition will certainly take a different shape from the quarter-final stage. To emerge champions, the team must reassess, retool and refocus,” Benjamin stated.
He stressed the importance of discipline and emotional control, warning that unnecessary confrontations with teammates, opponents or match officials could prove costly at this critical stage of the competition.
“This is the stage where mental balance, resilience and psychological strength are most critical,” he added.
Benjamin also applauded the strong presence of Nigerian sports journalists covering the tournament in Morocco, noting that their professionalism has helped project the country positively on the international stage.
Reacting to reports of tension between Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman during the match against Mozambique, he appealed for unity within the squad and urged Nigerians to continue supporting the team.
“As the Super Eagles progress in this tournament, it is a victory for all Nigerians,” he said.