AFCON 2023: 1980 winner Odegbami foresees tough Guinea Bissau duel for Nigeria

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Nigeria’s legendary winger, Segun Odegbami is expecting a tight and tough encounter when Nigeria’s senior men’s national team trade tackles with their counterparts from Guinea Bissau on Monday.

The two teams will face off in the final Group A encounter at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium, Abidjan.

The Djurtus lost their first two group games to host, Cote D’Ivoire (2-0) and Equatorial Guinea (4-2) ahead of the last group match, while the Super Eagles on their part are on a high confidence after stunning hosts, Cote D’Ivoire 1-0 following a 1-1 draw with the Nzalang Nacional in their opener.

Odegbami who is in Cote D’Ivoire addressed the players in a way to motivate them ahead of the clash, stressing that the team must know that they will be up against a tough opponent.

“I am here to encourage you and wish you well because the game against Guinea Bissau is going to be a tough match,” the 1980 AFCON champions was quoted by www.completesports.com.

“So I don’t expect an easy match but calmly do the things you know how to do best under any circumstances you will win and we will be with you here till the end.”

The Mathematical as he is fondly called praised Ola Aina for his superb display during the last game against the Elephants.

“I saw one of the masterful displays on the right wing in Ola Ain and the game against Cote D’Ivoire should be copied and sent to every football school in the world, it is masterful.” He continued.

“In determination and composure, you were absolutely brilliant.”

A win for the three-time African champions over Guinea Bissau will seal qualification for the Round of 16 of AFCON 2023.