Former Nigerian forward, Jonathan Akpoborie believes the Super Eagles can deliver the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations despite the withdrawal of Victor Osimhen from the squad.
Recall that Osimhen’s withdrawal became inevitable after the 22-year-old, who recently declared himself fit after recovery from a nasty facial injury, tested positive for COVID-19 for the second time in 2021 last week Thursday.
The three-time AFCON champions are pitted alongside Egypt, Guinea-Bissau and Sudan in Group D. Augustine Eguavoen’s side will begin their quest for a fourth AFCON title against seven-time African winners, The Pharaohs in Garoua on 9 January.
However, in an interview with Completesports.com, the former Wolsburg star stated that the team has capable strikers that can replace Osimhen and get the job done in Cameroon.
“I am completely convince that the Super Eagles can lift the Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon despite the absence of Victor Osimhen from the squad. No doubt, the team will miss his hunger and determination whenever he’s with the team and we have seen it during the qualifying series.
“However, I am optimistic that the likes of Taiwo Awoniyi, Odion Ighalo, Sadiq Umar and others can fill his void . They can shoulder the goal scoring responsibilities just the way they have been doing it in their respective clubs in Europe.”
5 Comments
Our biggest challenge in the tourney is our first match, the moment we defeat the Pharaohs the cup is as good as ours. Go for Gold Eagles!
Off course we can win it without osimhen because we still have Awoniyi and sodiq in camp who can bring something similar to what osimhen has to the table…….All we need is the coach to unleash them and make them turn up with their A game on the D-Day……..I don’t know how Eguaveon wants to do it but I know that bringing out the best in the available players is enough to conquer the Afcon.
If the coach doesn’t play them out of position, I think the players will fare well. They must win back possessions as soon as they lose it as well.
Shebi na the same ighalo that u people crucified rohr for inviting has suddenly become the man to do the job for for the eagles.??? The narrative has shifted and nobody considers him (ighalo) as a waste of space and money. Rohr vindicated again. Anyway, you have spoke well, mr Akpos. The present crop of players can do the job. It is the cup or nothing. A third or second place would not be accepted bcs the crop of players currently at the disposal of Eguavon are too multi talented
What is Uzoho still doing here. We couldn’t get Moses back, so sad. Why sack a coach this minute.