Mikel believes the Super Eagles have the potential to secure victory in the 2023 AFCON against Cote
As reported by cafonline.com, the Africa Cup of Nations, Cote d'Ivoire 2023, is approaching, and like any international competition, several teams are expected to carry the weight of being tournament favorites.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria, drawn against tournament hosts Cote d'Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, and Guinea-Bissau, head to Cote d'Ivoire with high expectations, as expressed by their former captain, John Obi Mikel. Mikel, who led the team to victory a decade ago, believes that the three-time champions are perennial favorites and hopes the current generation can replicate their success from 2013.
“We are always favorites; this is every time we go into the tournament, and it’s no different this time. Everyone knows that we are one of the favorites – not the massive favorite but definitely one of the favorites,” said Mikel.
Recent achievements, including Victor Osimhen being named the best African player in the men’s category at the CAF Awards 2023, have added to Nigeria's football pride. Mikel sees winning a fourth AFCON title as a significant achievement that can elevate Nigerian football to where it belongs.
“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,” Mikel expressed.
Acknowledging the evolution of the game since their 2013 triumph, Mikel believes in the potential of the current team and hopes for a strong performance in Cote d'Ivoire.
“Football has changed dramatically, and I think this group of players are a good young team and play a different brand of football than we did, so let’s hope we can see a good performance from the Nigerian team,” he said.
Nigeria kicks off their campaign on January 14 against Equatorial Guinea, followed by a match against the hosts four days later, reminiscent of the 2013 edition's quarterfinal where they defeated Cote d'Ivoire 2-1. The Group A campaign concludes with a match against Guinea-Bissau on January 22.
Leave A Comment