The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations is just around the corner, and Nigeria is gearing up for a historic fourth title. The Super Eagles have been drawn in Group A, alongside hosts Cote d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, and Guinea-Bissau. While the group may seem easy on paper, Nigeria cannot afford to be complacent, as they learned the hard way in the last edition, when they were knocked out by Cameroon in the Round of 16.
To avoid a repeat of that disappointment, Nigeria will need to rely on their star players, especially their prolific forward, Victor Osimhen. The Napoli striker, who was recently crowned the African Footballer of the Year, has been in sensational form for both club and country, scoring 28 goals in 32 appearances in all competitions this season. He also finished as the top scorer in the AFCON qualifiers, with seven goals in six games.
Osimhen pace, power, and finishing make him a nightmare for any defender, and he has shown that he can deliver on the big stage. He scored a hat-trick against Lesotho in the qualifiers, and also netted a brace against Algeria in a friendly match. He has also formed a formidable partnership with Leicester City’s Kelechi Iheanacho, who is another lethal option for Nigeria in attack.
Osimhen confidence and hunger for success are evident in his words, as he declared that the Super Eagles are ready to conquer the rest of Africa once again. He also expressed his support for coach Jose Peseiro, who has been instrumental in improving the team’s style of play and mentality. Peseiro, whose contract was recently extended by the Nigeria Football Federation, has also backed Osimhen claims, by stating that Nigeria is among the favourites for the 2023 AFCON.
Jose Peseiro said: “From our team, he (Osimhen) was the highest goal scorer during the qualifiers,” Peseiro said at a dinner organised to celebrate Osimhen’s coronation as Africa’s best player at the team’s training base in Abu Dhabi on Friday night.
“Of course his teammates helped him to achieve that. I hope and wish he wins the highest goal scorer and help us win the tournament.
The Super Eagles will kick off their campaign against Equatorial Guinea at the Alhassan Quattara Stadium, Ebimpe, Abidjan on January 14, 2024. They will then face Guinea-Bissau on January 18, before taking on the hosts Cote d’Ivoire on January 22. Nigeria will hope to top their group and advance to the knockout stages, where they will face stiffer competition from the likes of Senegal, Egypt, Ghana, and Morocco.
With Osimhen leading the line, and a talented squad behind him, Nigeria has a golden opportunity to reclaim their place as the kings of African football. The Super Eagles have the potential to soar high and make their nation proud at the 2023 AFCON. Osimhen, the superstar striker, can be the difference-maker for Nigeria, and the catalyst for their glory.
