Joseph Yobo urges caution as Nigeria faces tough 2025 AFCON group stage

The draw, held earlier this week in Rabat, Morocco, placed Nigeria in Group C alongside Tunisia, Tanzania, and Uganda.

Yobo, who captained Nigeria to their last AFCON triumph in 2013, warned that the group stage could present unexpected challenges.

The Super Eagles, three-time AFCON winners, were runners-up in the last tournament in Côte d'Ivoire and will be aiming to go one step further this time.

Their group-stage campaign begins on 23 December against Tanzania, followed by a clash with Tunisia on 27 December, and a final group fixture against Uganda on 30 December. All matches will take place at Fez Stadium.

Yobo, a former defender for Marseille and Everton, believes Nigeria has the talent to advance but must not underestimate their opponents.

"A good start is very important. The first two games are very important. It is very, very crucial," Yobo told ESPN.

"But the Tunisia game could be the one that decides group winners, so if we can take six points from the other two, we don't want to chase Tunisia.

"That is obviously a big game. They are an experienced side, always frequent at the AFCON. We are used to them, we have played them many times, even during my own time, and they are used to us as well. So it's going to be a big clash. It's the biggest game in our group.

"That being said, you have Uganda and Tanzania. On paper, they might be the underdogs, but we saw at the last AFCON - underdogs were pulling surprises." 

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