Adams dismisses AFCON curse fears

Nigeria international, Akor Adams, has dismissed fears that the Super Eagles could suffer a repeat of their painful 2021 Africa Cup of Nations debacle at the ongoing 2025 AFCON in Morocco.

Adams insists the current squad has broken decisively from the past as they target continental glory in Morocco.

Nigeria have won all three of their group-stage matches at AFCON 2025, achieving a flawless record for only the fourth time in the tournament’s history.

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Alongside Algeria, they are the only team to complete the group phase with maximum points in Morocco.

It is an impressive statistic, but one that carries uncomfortable memories.

Nigeria also won all three group matches in 1992, 2006 and 2021, tournaments that ultimately ended in disappointment rather than silverware.

In 1992, the Super Eagles fell in the semi-finals before settling for bronze.
Fourteen years later, they again finished third.

The most painful example came in 2021, when Nigeria exited at the first knockout hurdle, losing to Tunisia after winning all three group games under Austine Eguavoen in Garoua, Cameroon.

This time, Adams believes history will not repeat itself.

Quizzed on whether there is psychological awareness within the camp to avoid another sudden collapse, the Sevilla forward was emphatic.

“Because you did something and failed at it yesterday doesn’t mean you’ll do the same and fail today. That does not happen. It doesn’t exist.

“I think we cannot be tied by what happened over four years ago. We’re a different team, we’re a different group of guys with a different mindset, and we believe in ourselves and believe in God.

“I don’t think that what happened before repeats itself if we don’t change the cycle, and we have changed the cycle. So, I think we’re good, everyone is good, and I hope others can see that,” the Niger State-born forward said.

Nigeria will face Mozambique at the Complexe Sportif de Fès on Monday from 8:00pm, with momentum firmly on their side as they pursue a fourth AFCON title.