Former Super Eagles left-back, Juwon Oshaniwa, expressed optimism about the Nigerian national team’s chances in the ongoing AFCON, emphasizing that a slow start does not necessarily dictate the outcome of the tournament.
Oshaniwa drew parallels with Nigeria’s 2013 AFCON campaign in South Africa, where they also faced a sluggish beginning but ultimately went on to clinch the trophy.
“At least one point, it is not as if we are out totally from it; we’re still in the course. Giving a flashback of our time in 2013, there in South Africa, we drew our first game, even our second game, and we went ahead to win the trophy at the end of it,” reminisced Oshaniwa.
Highlighting the importance of maintaining perspective, Oshaniwa acknowledged the disappointment but urged fans not to lose hope.
He emphasized the continuity within the squad, with members from the victorious 2013 team still part of the current lineup.
“So it is not as if we are losing all hope on the last day because we still have the squad of 2013 members. So generally, in my view, we are disappointed, but we are not down. We keep gearing them up towards the next game,” Oshaniwa asserted.
The former left-back also touched upon the need for continuity and structure within the team, attributing the slow start to the lack thereof.
Despite the disappointment, he highlighted the team’s fortune in avoiding a loss in the opening match.
“You see, when there is no continuity and there is no structure at all from the base, this is the kind of outcome that you possibly achieve. And as I said, we’re lucky not to lose the game. That is just the fact,” Oshaniwa concluded.
As the Super Eagles regroup for their upcoming fixtures, Oshaniwa’s positive outlook and historical reference offer a source of encouragement for fans, reinforcing the belief that a slow start does not necessarily define the outcome of the tournament.
