Former Super Eagles captain, Mikel John Obi In a recent interview with CAFOnline, expressed his belief that Nigeria is among the teams poised to perform exceptionally well in the upcoming TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations.
Mikel, who led the Super Eagles to victory a decade ago, acknowledged the team’s status as perennial favourites and shared his hope for a successful campaign.
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“We are always favourites; this is every time we go into the tournament, and it’s no different this time. Everyone knows that we are one of the favourites – not the massive favourite but one of the favourites,” stated Mikel, reflecting on Nigeria’s historical standing in the competition.
Speaking about the team’s potential, Mikel highlighted the favourable draw, with Nigeria placed in Group A alongside Cote d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, and Guinea-Bissau.
He sees Nigeria as a team capable of making a deep run in the tournament, emphasizing their potential to go all the way.
“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,” Mikel added, acknowledging the evolution of the game.
With three AFCON titles in 1980, 1994, and 2013, Nigeria boasts a rich history in the tournament.
Mikel emphasized the significance of securing a fourth title, considering it a massive achievement for the country.
He believes that winning the tournament would elevate Nigerian football to where it rightfully belongs.
The confidence in Nigeria’s AFCON prospects is buoyed by recent individual achievements, with Victor Osimhen being named the best African player in the men’s category at the CAF Awards 2023.
Asisat Oshoala also replicated this success in the women’s category, showcasing the nation’s football prowess.
Mikel sees success in the TotalEnergies AFCON as a means to restore Nigerian football to its rightful place.
He urged the team to deliver a performance that would bring the country’s football back to its glory days.
Nigeria’s AFCON journey kicks off on January 14 against Equatorial Guinea, followed by a showdown with hosts Cote d’Ivoire four days later—a rematch of the 2013 quarter-final. The group stage concludes with a match against Guinea-Bissau on January 22.
As the Super Eagles gear up for the tournament, the expectations are high, and Mikel John Obi’s confidence adds to the anticipation surrounding Nigeria’s quest for AFCON glory.
