Former Nigerian international, Peter Rufai believes winning the opening game against Equatorial Guinea in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations will help boost the confidence of the Super Eagles.
Recall that Nigeria have been pitted alongside host, Ivory Coast, Guinea-Bissau and Equatorial Guinea in Group A.
Nigeria, a three-time AFCON winner, will strive to clinch the title once again, having previously triumphed in 1980, 1994, and 2013.
In a chat with Completesports.com, the 1994 AFCON winner stated that the Super Eagles must ensure they pick the maximum points in their opening game against Equatorial Guinea on January 14, 2024.
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“In every tournament, your first victory is very important because it gives a boost and gives the players a kind of confidence for the remaining of the competition.
“So I know very well that a win in such competition in the group stage means a lot for the team. And I am optimistic the Super Eagles will approach the game with a winning mentality.”
The Nations Cup which features 24 teams and runs from January 13 until February 11, will see the winners and runners-up in each of the six groups, plus the best four third-placed teams, reach the knockout phase.
2023 AFCON Draw In Full:
GROUP A: Ivory Coast, Guinea-Bissau, Equatorial Guinea, Nigeria
GROUP B: Mozambique, Cape Verde, Ghana, Egypt
GROUP C: Gambia, Guinea, Cameroon, Senegal
GROUP D: Angola, Mauritania, Burkina Faso, Algeria
GROUP E: Namibia, South Africa, Mali, Tunisia
GROUP F: Tanzania, Zambia, DR Congo, Morocco.
By Augustine Akhilomen
