Former Nigeria striker Yakubu Aiyegbeni has backed Nigeria to challenge for the Africa Cup of Nations title, insisting the team has enough quality to go all the way despite being ranked only fifth favourites by bookmakers.
Yakubu expressed confidence that Victor Osimhen and Calvin Bassey can provide the leadership and consistency needed for a successful campaign.
Yakubu described Osimhen as the driving force of the team, praising the Galatasaray striker’s intensity and influence, while also hailing Fulham defender Bassey as a key piece in Nigeria’s backline.
“I’m still going to tip Nigeria. If we get to the final, then we can win it,” the former Everton forward told SportsCasting.
“Victor Osimhen has been the number one. He’s Nigeria’s best player. He’s like a leader in the team.
“You see the aggression, the fight — he gives everything on the pitch,” he stated.
“Bassey is really solid in the team. He is a fighter; he gives 100%,” he added.
Yakubu expressed hope that Nigeria can lift the trophy and restore national pride after missing out on qualification for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
“I hope Nigeria can get to the final and win it, to bring that joy for not going to the World Cup,” he said.
The Super Eagles will be seeking their fourth continental crown when the AFCON tournament kicks off.
Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. On the back of domestic engagement since 2008, he began his international career journey at Goal.com in February 2014, where he served as an African women's football correspondent for nearly eight years. During his tenure at Goal.com, Samuel covered major events such as three Women's Africa Cup of Nations (2016, 2018, 2022) and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada plus 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His work at Goal.com earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his in-depth profiles of African football stars, notably Asisat Oshoala, whose rise he documented from her early years to her breakthrough at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2014. Prior to his role at Goal.com, Samuel freelanced for various print and broadcast media outlets in Nigeria, including Graphics Newspaper, Radio Nigeria, Grace FM, and Savid Newspaper. His extensive experience and expertise led to his appointment to the Nigeria Football Federation's Standing Committee on Women's Football Development from 2016 to 2018. Since February 2018, Samuel has been the Social Media Manager for Nigeria's women's national teams.In 2019, Samuel joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a women's football content contributor and was promoted to Women's Football Editor in 2021. His contributions to women's football continued as he worked as a Media Consultant for Content Creation and Editorials at the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League. Currently, Samuel also serves as the spokesman for the Nigeria Women Football League, further solidifying his influence and dedication to the growth of women's football in Africa.
