SUPER EAGLES FACE UPHILL CLIMB IN 2023 AFCON DESPITE PAST GLORY
The Super Eagles have a rich history in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), with three titles to their name. However, their recent performances have been disappointing. Under Portuguese head coach Jose Peseiro, the team struggled to find their rhythm in recent fixtures, and their lacklustre performances have left many fans and critics questioning their ability to compete at the highest level.
Nigeria has faced several setbacks in preparing for the 2023 AFCON tournament. Injuries to key players, including Taiwo Awoniyi, Wilfred Ndidi, and Victor Boniface, have weakened the squad, and they have failed to win any of their last three matches against established teams. Although they won a match against a local Abu Dhabi side during their training camp, their struggles against Lesotho, Zimbabwe, and Guinea have left fans disillusioned about their chances in the competition.
However, some believe the team can still rise to the occasion and achieve their goals in Ivory Coast. The 2013 tournament is being cited as an example where Nigerians were similarly underwhelmed by the team heading to South Africa. But the unheralded team, led by the late, great Stephen Keshi shocked critics by winning the title, beating current hosts Ivory Coast in the quarterfinals. That triumph was Nigeria’s last at the AFCON. They’ve failed to reach a final since, missing out on the next two editions before managing a third-place finish in Egypt and a last 16 exit in Cameroon last time out.
Current team captain Ahmed Musa and defensive stalwart Kenneth Omeruo both remain from that 2013 squad, and many Nigerians are hoping that their experience can help rally the team and achieve a similar outcome at the 2023 AFCON.
SQUAD
- Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabili (Chippa United); Francis Uzoho (Omonoia FC); Olorunleke Ojo (Enyimba FC)
- Defenders: William Troost-Ekong (POAK FC); Bright Osayi Samuel (Fenerbahce SK); Ola Aina (Nottingham Forest); Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto); Bruno Onyemaechi (Boavista FC); Semi Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion); Calvin Bassey (Fulham); Chidozie Awaziem (Boavista FC); Kenneth Omuero (Kasimpasa SK)
- Midfielders: Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC); Joseph Ayodele-Aribo (Southampton FC); Alex Iwobi (Fulham); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge KV); Alhassan Yusuf (Royal Antwerp FC);
- Forwards: Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City); Victor Oshimen (SSC Napoli); Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan); Ademola Lookman (Atalanta BC); Moses Simon (FC Nantes); Sadiq Umar (Real Sociedad); Terem Moffi (OGC Nice); Ahmed Musa (Sivasspor)
