The Super Eagles of Nigeria are gearing up for the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Cote d’Ivoire 2023 (AFCON 2023) with aspirations of clinching their fourth title in the prestigious tournament. Former captain John Obi Mikel, a key figure in their 2013 triumph, believes the team is poised to be a strong contender once again.
Having won AFCON titles in 1980, 1994, and 2013, Nigeria is no stranger to success in African football. Drawn against hosts Cote d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, and Guinea-Bissau, the Super Eagles head to the tournament as favorites, according to Mikel. Reflecting on their historical triumph a decade ago, Mikel expressed confidence in the current generation’s ability to emulate their success.
The announcement comes on the heels of Nigerian star Victor Osimhen being named the best African player in the men’s category at the CAF Awards 2023. Asisat Oshoala mirrored this achievement in the women’s category, adding to the nation’s football pride.
Mikel, emphasizing the importance of bringing the AFCON title home, stated, “To be able to do it again will be a massive achievement for us which I think the country needs right now as well. We need to get our football back where it should be, and by winning this tournament, it will take it back to where it should be.”
While acknowledging the evolution of football since their last triumph, Mikel expressed belief in the potential of the current squad, describing them as a “good young team” playing a different brand of football. The Super Eagles’ track record includes not only their three AFCON titles but also being runners-up in 1984, 1988, 1990, and 2000.
As Nigeria aims for AFCON glory in Cote d’Ivoire, the tournament promises to be a stage for the Super Eagles to showcase their prowess and potentially add another chapter to their rich football history.
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