Former Nigerian international, Peter Rufai has urged the Super Eagles to develop a winning mentality if they are to win the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
Recall that the three-time AFCON champions have been pitted in Group A alongside, host Ivory Coast, Guinea-Bissau and Equatorial Guinea.
The team will commence their campaign against Equatorial Guinea on January 14, 2024 at Stade Alassane Ouattara.
However, in a chat with Completesports.com, the 1994 AFCON winner stated that the current crop of players in the Super Eagles have what it takes to win the tournament.
Read Also: OFFICIAL: CAF Unveils Super Eagles’ Provisional AFCON 2023 Squad
But then, he urged the players to develop a winning culture if they are to lift the trophy.
“In terms of quality players, yes we have it. But that is not enough to win the tournament if the players doesn’t develop a winning mentality.
“The team must not lose focus of their ambition at the tournament and I am sure they would have learnt from their mistakes at the previous AFCON, where the team crashed out in the round of 16 ‘Afcon predictions.
“This is a tournament the Super Eagles can win. All they need to do is to remain focus, play as a unit, approach each game like a cup final and I am sure we will be crowned champions at the end.”
By Augustine Akhilomen
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COMMENTS
It’s not winning mentality only will lead Super Eagles to win the next African Cup, but there are many things coaching crew must do to creat a winning SE, fristly, coaching crew must boost and strengthen defensive midfield and back line with strong and strict tactics and strong players to put them on these lines; secondly, coaching crew must play on depth with giving Iwobi and Ndidi to play through passes for the forwards; thirdly, coaching crew also must give wingers strcutions to play a crosses passes to forwards( ground and high crosses), fourthly, they must play with Nigeria style of football( short and quick passes, playing in depth and from the wings, playing total style of football , that means all the players can attack if they keep the ball; they must all defend if they loose the ball; fifthly, they must bring a strong and agile goalkeer than to depend on flopped and shaky Uzoho; if SE coaching crew did these , I think they would win any match at this tournament, then they could win this cup.
“This is a tournament the Super Eagles can win. All they need to do is to remain focus, play as a unit, approach each game like a cup final and I am sure we will be crowned champions at the end.”
Well said Mr. Peter Rufai. Our players have to develop a winning mentality because they have in them. This is why the gaffer has to select the players based on the current form. I won’t say much now. Let’s wait and see the 27 list of the players for the Afcon tournament.
However, oh my goodness. What a player, what a display by Dessers. What a goal from Dessers. Kolawole is in great form of his life. One goal and he also got a penalty for Rangers. Bravo.
As I said before, as long as Dessers get a chance to play regularly, none of Super Eagles can bench him. I repeat, none of them can put Kolawole on bench because he’s very dedicated, disciplined, focused, reliable, dependable, and deadly in front of goal, and he showed that in today’s match.
Dessers is proving his worth already, and he is also making his way back in the Super Eagles very quickly and at the right time. Five goals in nine appearances for Rangers. Impressive.
Can’t wait to see the Afcon list. Ire o. God bless Nigeria!!!