AFCON 2023: ‘It will be a tough match’ – Alex Iwobi declares war on Angola

By Saheed Afolabi

Nigeria mercurial midfielder, Alex Iwobi is optimistic the country’s senior men’s national team will reach the semifinal of the 2023 Africa Cup Of Nations (AFCON) at the expense of their quarterfinal foes Angola on Friday.

The Super Eagles saw off five-time winners Cameroon in the Round of 16, while the Black Antelopes thrashed Namibia 3-0 t0 set up the quarterfinal duel with the West Africans.

And Iwobi gave assurance of Jose Peseiro’s men about reaching the semifinal but insists they will respect ruthless Angola for reaching the quarter final stage.

“We watched the videos. It will be a tough match. They won the last match with a large score, and we also defend well,” Iwobi told the media.

“We will give everything on the field to reach the semi-finals. We have to respect Angola a lot. If they are at this stage of the competition, it means they are a great team.

“We need the entire team to defend. It won’t be easy because it’s a team that scores a lot. I rely on my teammates to meet the challenge.”

The quarter final meeting between Super Eagles and Angola at the 2023 AFCON will be the sixth time both sides are meeting, including the Palancas Negras denying Nigeria the ticket for Germany 2006 FIFA World Cup.