General Secretary of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Dr. Mohamed Sanusi, has expressed his optimism that the Super Eagles will win the AFCON 2023 in Cote d’Ivoire, Completesports.com reports.
Speaking in Abuja on Friday, Dr. Sanusi said that the team is highly motivated to deliver the AFCON 2023 billed for January 13 to February 11, adding 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,” Sanusi enthused.
Also Read: AFCON 2023 Begins! –Odegbami
“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 is 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.
By Richard Jideaka, Abuja
5 Comments
I read an article in Vanguard today titled “Ivorian luck in Eagles gold” by Emeka Obasi detailing how Eagles triumphed in 1980, 1994 and 2013 after NOT LOSING to CIV before winning the trophy.
But it ended on a sour note, if you are superstitious.
Eagles always had a player named “Emmanuel” in those squads.
Okala in 1980, Amuneke in 1994 and Emenike in 2013.
I have never seen a potential winner in current team headed by a “savvy” coach but can Nigeria defy all odds and go for the trophy? Odegbami thinks so. Me? Enjoy AFCON without heaping anxiety on Eagles.
This guy is dumb. You want the title without working for it. You want the title with that agbero coach. You want the title with our strong asset which is the attack, badly ravaged by injuries. You want the title with heaps of salary and bonuses being owed the coaches and players. You want the title with players being brought into the team at eleventh hours juat because somebody is stupid and myopic. It is easy to make the most sumptuous delicacy with mere mouth. You guys have made an average Nigerian football fan disillusioned about the team. We have lost our faith and motivation. The only thread we hang on to now is patriotism, and that’s because atriotism is intuitive. Otherwise, you and your gang of robbers will be the only ones supporting the team at that AFCON. Useless people
This guy is dumb. You want the title without working for it. You want the title with that agbero coach. You want the title with our strong asset which is the attack, badly ravaged by injuries. You want the title with heaps of salary and bonuses being owed the coaches and players. You want the title with players being brought into the team at eleventh hours juat because somebody is stupid and myopic. It is easy to make the most sumptuous delicacy with mere mouth. You guys have made an average Nigerian football fan disillusioned about the team. We have lost our faith and motivation. The only thread we hang on to now is patriotism, and that’s because atriotism is intuitive. Otherwise, you and your gang of robbers will be the only ones supporting the team at that AFCON. Useless bunch of politicians running the game we love so much
UO.
Just about a week ago, a friend of mine, asked why most of our officials always use the phrase “by the grace of God”?
I replied him thus: “because they want to relinquish their responsibilities in case of failure” After all, the almighty God can decide who wins or who looses. Therefore it’s his doing.
Read how many times the phrase was repeated allegedly by him on this article.
By the time officials learn or are made to take responsibilities for their work, we will remain at the stuck at the bottom.
So if the Eagles fails to perform, it was God’s wish. Who dare question God for his actions?
Dear Secretary, dare I remind you that you are responsible for the success or failure of your team? Don’t the other Teams believe also in God? If true, what makes you think then, that God we make you succeed and the others to fail?
You have been in this position as long as I can remember. Although your role is not directly relevant on the pitch but you guys should learn how to take responsibility for your actions on inaction. That’s how professionals work in serious and well coordinationated pkaces.
Nigeria will not win the AFCON.I say it despite being a great patriot.There is nothing on ground to show we are ready.