Kanu asserts that Super Eagles are poised to clinch the AFCON trophy
Nigerian football icon Nwankwo Kanu has confidently declared that the Super Eagles will emerge victorious in the 2023 CAF African Cup of Nations. Kanu, a two-time African Footballer of the Year (1996 and 1999), conveyed this message in a video shared on his official account on Wednesday.
In the video, he reiterated his belief that the Nigerian football team, set for a semi-final clash against South Africa's Bafana Bafana on Wednesday, will progress to the final and ultimately triumph in the tournament. The former Arsenal star, affectionately known as 'Papilo,' emphatically stated, "I told you from the beginning, from the first game – believe, trust."
"The team has made us proud, reaching the semifinals. As I previously mentioned, we're destined for the finals, and I believe we will clinch this tournament. Let's pray, support, and wish them the best of luck."
The revered football figure urged Coach Jose Peseiro's squad to secure the trophy, last claimed in 2019, and bring it back home. "This cup belongs to us. It's on its way back. Go, Super Eagles! You've got this! Just two more games, and history will be made," he exclaimed.
This marks the fourth encounter between Nigeria and South Africa in tournaments, with the Eagles emerging victorious in the previous three matchups.
The kick-off time is set for 6 p.m. Nigerian time.
In the round of 16 stage, Nigeria secured a 2-0 victory against Cameroon. Subsequently, the team triumphed with a lone goal against Angola in the quarterfinals, earning them a spot in the semi-finals.
The Bafana Bafana boys achieved a 2-0 victory in their round of 16 match against Morocco, the World Cup semi-finalist from the previous year. They later won 2-1 in a penalty shootout against Cape Verde.
South African defender Neil Tovey, who captained the 1996 title-winning team, expressed in a telephone interview from Durban that the upcoming match against Nigeria will be challenging.
He remarked, "Facing Nigeria will be an intense challenge – it's like a final before the final."
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