National Teams
AFCON 2023: 2013 winner John Obi Mikel puts favourite tag on Nigeria
By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde
Former Nigeria international, John Obi Mikel believes the Super Eagles are always favourite for every Africa Cup of Nations.
In a group A comprising hosts, Ivory Coast, Guinea Bissau, and Equatorial Guinea, the Super Eagles hope to win their fourth title in 2024.
And Mikel who was led the country to a third title 10 years ago, hopes the current crop of players can replicate that feat achieved by the Super Eagles in 2013 where they ended the team’s 19-year wait to clinch the title.
“We are always favourites, this is every time we go into the tournament and it’s no different this time,” Mikel told CAFonline.com.
“Everyone knows that we are one of the favourites – not the massive favourite but definitely one of the favourites”, said the former skipper.
African Player of the Year, Victor Osimhen will be a key player for the three-time African champions at the tournament after ending Nigeria’s 14-year wait to win Africa’s top individual prize this month at the CAF Awards alongside Asisat Oshoala who won the women’s category.
Lifting their fourth title in Ivory Coast will serve as icing on the cake for the African giant after previously smiling home with the trophy in 1980, 1994, and 2013 – they were also runners-up in 1984, 1988, 1990 and 2000.
“To be able to do it again will be a massive achievement for us which I think the country needs right now as well,” Mikel continues.
“We need to get our football back where it should be and by winning this tournament, it will take it back to where it should be.”
Asked whether there were any similarities that he could draw inspiration from in the two generations, the former Chelsea midfielder believes in the potential of the side.
“Football has changed dramatically, and I think this group of players are a good young team and play a different brand of football than we did so let’s hope we can see a good performance from the Nigerian team,” he said.
Jose Peseiro’s side will get their AFCON 2023 campaign underway with a clash with Equatorial Guinea at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium, Abidjan on January 14, 2024, before games against Ivory Coast, and Guinea Bissau.
