It has been ten years since Nigeria’s last African Cup of Nations triumph, but there is good reason to believe that the Super Eagles are ready to add a fourth title. Following a confident qualification campaign, which saw Nigeria top Group A ahead of Guinea-Bissau, the Super Eagles will be hoping to take that momentum into the upcoming tournament.
Portuguese manager, José Peseiro, has selected a squad with a strong blend of firepower up front, mixed with players plying their trade at some of Europe’s top clubs. Despite the injuries sustained by Wilfred Ndidi, Taiwo Awoniyi and most recently and perhaps significantly, Victor Boniface, there is enough ability in the squad to reign supreme in Africa again. The player to watch out for is undoubtedly Victor Osimhen. Even in a disappointing campaign so far for Napoli, Osimhen still has nine goal contributions in thirteen appearances.
However, the focus should not be placed squarely on Osimhen, with the likes of Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi (both Fulham), Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan) and a fully fit Kelechi Iheanacho looking to make big contributions in Côte d’Ivoire. The latter is still a fitness concern for Peseiro and Iheanacho is one of many players that were part of the squad in the disappointing 2021 tournament, where Nigeria were knocked out in the Round of 16 by Tunisia (0-1). Over the last decade, since their triumph in 2013, Nigeria have been a frustrating nation for betting platforms offering a code, due to their inconsistency in recent AFCON tournaments. Betting markets would even have ranked Nigeria amongst the favourites in 2021 after their 3rd place finish in 2019. But there is renewed hope under Peseiro, who was appointed as manager of the Super Eagles in May 2022.
Many will point to the whopping 22 goals scored from the six matches in the qualification group stage, including a 10-0 rout of São Tomé and Príncipe, but Peseiro’s progress was held in check by a 0-1 defeat at home to Guinea-Bissau. Nigeria will face the same opponents again in the AFCON 2024 group stage, with the pair also joined by hosts Côte d’Ivoire and Equatorial Guinea in Group A.
As the anticipation builds ahead of this marquee event in Africa, Nigerians will be looking back at the successes in 1980, 1994 and 2013 for inspiration to drive their nation to glory. Amongst all the exciting talent within the Super Eagles squad, there are two players in particular that will hold fond memories of the 2013 triumph. Kenneth Omeruo and Ahmed Musa were part of that title-winning team, and their experience could be vital in securing their second, and Nigeria’s fourth AFCON trophy.
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