Peter Rufai insists Nigeria will be difficult to beat at 2023 Africa Cup of Nations

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Former Nigeria goalkeeper, Peter Rufai insists the Super Eagles would be a tough nut to crack at the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast.

The three-time African champions concluded their campaign in the qualifiers with a resounding 6-0 bashing of Sao Tome and Principe to finish top of Group A with 15 points after six games.

And the former shotstopper feels coach Jose Peseiro has enough talent to raise a very tough and formidable team to beat at next year’s showpiece.

“I am very delighted with the general performance of the Super Eagles against Sao Tome and in the group,” Rufai told Complete Sports.

“This is just what Nigerians want to see, goals and goals. But critically looking at the team, I want to believe that they will be a tough nut to crack at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

“Nigeria have quality players at the moment and I am optimistic they will go far in Ivory Coast.”

Nigeria has won three AFCON titles in 1980, 1994, and 2013 despite being at the semi-final the most times.

The team has only won three of their seven finals, losing the other four to Cameroon in 1984, 1988, 1990, and 2000 in Lagos.

With eight bronze medals in 1976, 1978, 1992, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2010, and 2019, it is left to be seen if the West Africans can make it to the semi-final, after a disappointing quarterfinal exit in Cameroon last time.