2003 CAF Coach of The Year, Kadiri Ikhana has expressed his optimism that the Super Eagles can go all the way to the final and win the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Cote D’Ivoire, Completesports.com reports.
Ikhana said in an exclusive chat with Completesports.com that Group A comprising hosts Cote D’Ivoire, Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea, and Guinea-Bissau as decided at the AFCON 2023 Draw is a tough one that the Super Eagles can handle and hopefully top the group with maximum points.
“I know it’s a tough group, especially with the host country, the Guinea-Bissauan and Equatorial Guinean teams, but the Super Eagles have been together for some time now to become their qualifying group winners. It’s a big call, but I feel we can beat the Elephants of Cote D’Ivoire to qualify for the knockout stage as group winners,” the 1980 AFCON winner and Enyimba’s 2003 CAF Champions League winning coach told Completesports.com.
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“With the quality of attackers in the Super Eagles, it will be difficult to stop the team from going all the way to win Nigeria’s fourth Africa Cup of Nations title. Goals win matches and if the Eagles’ forward men led by Osimhen keep hitting targets, I don’t see any country stopping us.”
Ikhana continued: “Countries like defending champions Senegal, Cameroun, Egypt, and Morocco will also be strong contenders for the title but with proper tactical and technical approach to details in every game, the Super Eagles have the wherewithal to overcome any obstacle and win the title
“I know we are not too strong in midfield and maybe goalkeeping areas, but with our attackers providing the goals and joining the defence, we can shut out our opponents and go all the way to the final and win the cup, but all the players must play for each other with all their hearts.”
Ikhana urged Head Coach, Jose Peseiro, not to allow administrators to force players on him before and during the AFCON, stressing that he would succeed if he picked the best players for every game.
“I am sure the coach will succeed if he puts aside sentiments in his selection and game plan,” Ikhana concluded.
By Richard Jideaka, Abuja
