Sao Tome coach William Barbosa backs Nigeria for 2023 Africa Cup of Nations title 

By Wale Mustapha

William Barbosa, Assistant Coach of Sao Tome and Principe has tipped Nigeria, along with Senegal as major contenders to win the 2023 African Cup of Nations, AFCON title in Ivory Coast.

Barbosa’s Sao Tome got a taste of what Nigeria is capable of doing at the tournament proper when his side suffered a 6-0 hammering from the Super Eagles in the final qualifying match on Sunday in Uyo.

A hat-trick and goals from Ademola Lookman, Taiwo Awoniyi and Samuel Chukwueze ensured nation ended the qualification series with just a point.

Barbosa who was speaking to nigeriafootball.ng after the match expressed believe that the three times AFCON winners and the defending champions, Senegal are the best teams on the continent and stand a good chance to win the Ivory Coast event.

“The last time we played Nigeria we couldn’t have our best legs and now we are building a new team and we are working hard to train new players,” he told at the post-match press conference.

“Today was better than last time and we showed  play as well. Nigeria is a good team with players playing in the top leagues but we have only one player playing in the top division.

“Nigeria have some of the best players in Africa, quality players in top leagues around the world. For now, after Senegal, Nigeria have the best team in Africa.”