Super Eagles midfielder, Frank Onyeka, has given a hint on the team’s plan for their upcoming Round of sixteen clash with Mozambique on Monday.
He talked about the Super Eagles’ performance so far, adding that their good showing in the group stage was because of tough competition, the team working together, and their strong wish to win for the Nigerian people.
The FC Ebedei player has only played once in the current tournament in Morocco, and they were on the field for 79 minutes in the exciting five-goal match against Tunisia.
Onyeka was important in the later part of the 2026 World Cup qualifying matches. He scored a big goal against Benin. Then, in the African playoff final against the Democratic Republic of Congo, he scored the first goal for Nigeria, but the team still lost in a sad way.
Onyeka talked to Austin Okon Akpan about his own playing style and said, “I just try to play my game. I pay attention to all parts of the game and do my best to help the team. That’s one thing about me – I really enjoy winning. For me, it’s about showing who I am on the field.
The central midfielder thinks the strong competition for spots in the team has played a big role in Nigeria’s good performance so far in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
“Yes, competition helps the team in a good way. There are a lot of skilled players, especially in the middle of the field, and also on the sides. It’s good for the team.
“You see how good we are. Many players didn’t play against Uganda, but we still managed to win the game. That shows we have really good players.”
Despite finishing the group stage with a perfect nine points, Onyeka warned against being too confident as the Super Eagles get ready for their round of 16 match against Mozambique.
“The mentality is strong. We had nine points in the group stage, but we don’t need to lose focus. We need to stay calm and focus on the next round, on ourselves, not just the opponents,” he added.
Onyeka said, “The players, not just the coach, because we take responsibility for the things we need to do to get better.
“That’s why I feel we, the players, accepted that responsibility.
“Yes, that plays a big part. We want to let Nigerians know that even though we didn’t make it to the next round, we still want to give them this trophy so they can feel proud and have something to celebrate. We focus on one game at a time. The next game is more important than focusing on the quarterfinals.
“I have been training. I was sitting on the bench yesterday, but I’m working out this morning. Looking ahead to the round of 16 match against Mozambique, Onyeka doesn’t expect anything to change from the way the Super Eagles usually players.
“The same thing. Nothing will change. We’ll play with all our strength, give our best, and, with God’s help, win and move on to the next stage.”
The midfielder also said that Nigeria’s improvement comes from both the players’ hard work and the coaches’ skill.
“I think it’s both. The players are very dedicated, and the coaching team is just as focused. Everyone wants to win this AFCON and ensure that Nigerians get something out of it.”
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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