The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has expressed confidence that the Super Eagles will win the 2023 Nations Cup tournament in Cote d’Ivoire.
General Secretary of NFF, Dr. Mohamed Sanusi, while speaking in Abuja on Friday, said that the team was highly motivated to deliver the AFCON 2023 billed for January 13 to February 11.
He added that all things being equal Nigerians should expect the Super Eagles to bring back the trophy for the fourth time.
“I was with the team in Dubai training camp and the spirit and camaraderie is unprecedented. All that the boys are thinking of is how to win the AFCON. I am optimistic that the Super Eagles will deliver in Cote d’Ivoire. The boys are committed and ready to do their nation proud.
“The team is highly motivated and ready to go. That is why there is relative peace in the camp. We at the NFF have done all we could do to ensure that they concentrate on the assignment ahead of them. I am so optimistic that I am not thinking about any disappointment by the team – It is the cup or nothing
“By the grace of God, this team will deliver in Cote d’Ivoire and my optimism stems from what I have seen in the boys during their training camp in Dubai. All we demand from Nigerians is their support and prayers. I also want the Nigerian media to be positive and not be too critical of the team,” the Kebbi-born administrator reiterated.
Asked why he was full of confidence with the unconvincing goalkeeping situation in the Super Eagles, Dr. Sanusi stated that he doesn’t believe Super Eagles have issues with goalkeepers, adding that every team in the tournament have one or two deficiencies.
“There is no underdog in AFCON and there is no country that is unbeatable. We respect other teams but we don’t fear them. It is going to be 11 versus 11. I am optimistic that our boys will rise to the occasion and by the grace of God we shall win the trophy. We have what it takes to deliver and I am not a pessimist.
“We have taken care of the injuries with Onuachu coming in to replace Sadiq Umar, we are ready to go and it is the trophy or nothing by the grace of God,” he concluded.
LEADERSHIP reports that the 34th Nations Cup tournament kicks off this Saturday while Nigeria faces Equatorial Guinea for her first game in Group A on Sunday afternoon.
