Ex-Eagles Defender Reveals Why Nigeria Won’t Win AFCON 2023
Former Nigeria International, George Abbey, has disclosed reasons the Super Eagles may not win the forthcoming Africa Cup of Nations tournament with the current crop of players in the squad.
The Super Eagles are hoping to clinch their fourth title AFCON title at the 34th edition scheduled for in Ivory Coast early next year after winning it in 1980 on home soil, the 1994 edition in Tunisia as well as the 2013 finals in South Africa.
In their bid to achieve their said target, the three-time AFCON winners have since adopted the battlecry ‘Let’s Do It Again’ in their quest for another AFCON title Ivory Coast.
But despite their mantra, Abbey who made 18 appearances for the Eagles and was a member of the Eagles squad that won bronze at the 2004 edition in Tunisia said Jose Peseiro’s team has flattered to deceive with their performance in their recent games despite ending their 15-game winless run in friendly games.
The former Crewe Alexandra defender believes that the current Eagles squad is not strong enough to compete for the title in Ivory Coast even with Vincent Enyeama in goal.
The Eagles’ goalkeeping worries resurfaced again when Francis Uzoho who returned to the squad after missing the last game due to suspension committed howlers in the Eagles friendlies against Saudi Arabia and Mozambique – a display which has left fans with concerns as the AFCON tournament approaches.
“We are patriotic as a country, we forget to check the present weather forecast,” Abbey stated.
“This current team is not as strong as our 2013 squad and in my opinion that team overachieved based on the team they were up against.
“Even if we magically produce a prime Vincent Enyeama and put him behind this team, I still wouldn’t back us to win the AFCON. I hope they prove me wrong but I doubt they will.”
The three-time African champions are drawn against hosts Ivory Coast, Equatorial Guinea and Guinea-Bissau in the first round of the delayed 2023 AFCON in January 2024.
Yusuf Oketola is a trained journalist with over five years of experience in the media industry. He has worked for both print and online medium. He is a thorough-bred professional with an eye of hindsight on issues bothering on social justice, purposeful leadership, and a society where the leaders charge and work for the prosperity of the people.
