National Teams
2023 Afcon: Kadiri Ikhana backs Nigeria attackers to shine in Cote d’Ivoire
By Saheed Afolabi
Nigeria legendary coach, Kadiri Ikhana has backed the country’s national team attackers to shine at the 2023 Africa Cup Of Nations (AFCON) in Cote d’Ivoire.
Nigeria will be difficult to stop at the AFCON because of the threat they pose through their attackers and their goals would be the turning point for the the Eagles in Ivory Coast.
Ikhana believes the Super Eagles were handed a tough group and tasked the team to defeat their group opponents to reach the knockout stage.
“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,” Ikhana told Complete Sports.
“ 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. 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.”
The CAF Champions League winning coach stated the haul of Senegal, Cameroon, Egypt and Morocco are the Super Eagles biggest contenders for the AFCON title but with tactical approach, Nigeria will succeed.
“Countries like defending champions Senegal, Cameroon, 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.
“I am sure the coach will succeed if he puts aside sentiments in his selection and game plan.”
Three time AFCON champions, Nigeria have the most potent strike force in Africa and will be banking on their exploits for their various club sides to excel in Ivory Coast.
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