As Nigeria prepare for a daunting Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 semi-final clash against hosts Morocco, Super Eagles defenders Bruno Onyemaechi and Chidozie Awaziem have offered insight into the mentality driving the squad.
The players highlighted patience, focus, and mental toughness as key weapons for the decisive encounter.
Nigeria will face the Atlas Lions in front of more than 53,000 Moroccan fans at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, a setting expected to test the Super Eagles both tactically and psychologically.
“I Took the Opportunity” – Bruno Onyemaechi
Super Eagles wingback, Bruno Onyemaechi has revealed that not starting Nigeria’s opening game of the tournament became a source of motivation rather than frustration.
According to the defender, he remained patient, prepared, and mentally ready, waiting for his chance to contribute when it eventually arrived, and once it did, his focus shifted firmly to keeping his place in the team.
Reflecting on his mindset heading into AFCON 2025, Onyemaechi said:
“For me, I took it as motivation to be ready whenever the opportunity came. Coming into this AFCON, I was prepared and really looking forward to it.”
“Thank God when the opportunity arose, I was already ready to take it.”
“That’s why on the pitch you can see that I am focused and always trying to do my best for the team to win,” he said.
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His composed performances since breaking into the starting lineup have narrated his determination to make the most of his opportunity at the tournament.
Onyemaechi also shed light on the origins of his attacking qualities, explaining that his comfort going forward stems from his early days as a winger before transitioning into a defensive role.
The defender traced his football journey from Nigeria to Europe, revealing how his positional change shaped his current style of play.
“I actually started as a winger back in Nigeria at my academy in Lagos. When I arrived in Portugal, that was when I started changing my position,” Onyemaechi added.
That background has allowed him to blend defensive discipline with attacking drive, a balance that has benefited Nigeria throughout the tournament.
“Turn Deaf Ears” – Chidozie Awaziem on Morocco Atmosphere
Meanwhile, fellow Super Eagles defender, Chidozie Awaziem has acknowledged the challenge of playing against host nation, Morocco in a packed stadium but insisted that mental strength will be decisive.
With the Atlas Lions enjoying overwhelming home support, Awaziem explained the need for concentration and collective focus to shut out the noise from the stands.
“We all know that Morocco is the host team, so they are going to have massive supporters in the stadium.”
“We just want to turn deaf ears to the fans, focus on ourselves, and try to get the job done,” Awaziem said.
Nigeria will step onto the pitch knowing that overcoming Morocco on their own turf will demand discipline, composure, and unwavering belief.
