There were plenty of doubts for Nigeria as they prepared for this Africa Cup of Nations. Head coach Gernot Rohr was sacked on the eve of the tournament and the World Cup qualifying campaign had been far from convincing.
But now the Super Eagles have breezed through the opening group stage of AFCON 2021, winning all three games including a 1-0 victory over Egypt. Anyone using their sportsbook promotions to bet on Nigeria to become champions of Africa for the fourth time will be quite happy with the way things have gone so far. But can they make it to the final in Cameroon?
Build Up to AFCON
Nigeria topped their World Cup qualification group to progress to the third and final round – but that should never really have been in doubt. Home displays against the Central African Republic and Cape Verde were less than satisfactory and raised questions about the team’s chances in Cameroon.
Those in charge had seen enough and sacked Gernot Rohr in December, electing to put their trust in Augustine Eguavoen. That seemed like a bold move at the time but he has repaid their trust, leading the Super Eagles to the round of 16 at this AFCON with a game to spare and a 100% record.
Three Games, Three Wins
The biggest test of the opening phase was always going to be Nigeria’s first game against Egypt. But Eguavoen’s side deservedly beat the Pharaohs by one goal, with chances made to add some more throughout the game. An impressive performance against Sudan came up next, with a 3-1 win meaning qualification for the next round had been achieved with one game to go.
Eguavoen was able to rest the majority of his starting eleven for the final group game against Guinea-Bissau. But the Super Eagles still dominated after an understandably slow start and ended up winning 2-0. The goals have been shared around the squad and Nigeria is looking like one of the best teams at the tournament.
Live Blogging: Guinea Bissau vs Nigeria – Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2021
Figure 2 AFCON 2021 has been very competitive so far
What’s Next for the Super Eagles?
Nigeria may have won all three games in Group D but there have been plenty of shocks and upsets elsewhere. Reigning champion Algeria is already on its way home and Ghana also finished bottom of its group, allowing Comoros to progress to the round of 16.
The Super Eagles will face Tunisia in the first knockout round after the North African side struggled in its own group, losing to Gambia in the final game and only squeezing through as one of the best third placed teams. Nigeria should be full of confidence after the way it has played so far and it would be a surprise now if the Super Eagles didn’t go through.
Can Nigeria Win the Cup?
The good news is that by winning its group Nigeria has avoided the half of the draw that contains Ivory Coast, Morocco and host nation Cameroon. But if all goes well there could well be a semi final tie against Senegal. Those two are now the new favourites to win the competition with the bookmakers and their meeting is an exciting prospect.
The bottom half of the draw could go a number of ways but it would not be a surprise if it ended up being Cameroon and Ivory Coast battling it out in the other last four game. Nigeria always knew that it would have to beat the very best to become AFCON champions once again. But after a very impressive group stage, this could be the time for the Super Eagles to soar.
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COMMENTS
Lolzzzz. It could indeed be time for Nigeria to soar, yes to soar back home.
Lolzzzz