- Mikel Obi expresses optimism about Nigeria’s chances in AFCON 2023, acknowledging the team as perennial favorites and emphasizing their potential
- Reflecting on football evolution, Mikel sees winning AFCON as vital to restoring Nigerian football’s prominence and legacy
John Mikel Obi, a former international and captain of the Super Eagles, expressed optimism about Nigeria’s chances in the upcoming CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Cote d’Ivoire 2023, tipping them as top contenders for the trophy.
Having lifted the title a decade ago, Mikel acknowledged the team’s perennial status as favorites, stating, “We are always favorites; this is every time we go into the tournament, and it’s no different this time. Everyone knows that we are one of the favorites – not the massive favorite, but definitely one of the favorites.”
Reflecting on the differences between his generation and the current squad, Mikel acknowledged the evolution of football but believed in the potential of the present team. He mentioned the significant changes in the game and the different brand of football played by the current young team.
While recognizing the challenges, Mikel emphasized the importance of winning the AFCON title as a means to restore Nigerian football to its rightful place. A fourth AFCON title for the Super Eagles would mark a significant achievement for the African powerhouse, adding to their victories in 1980, 1994, and 2013, with several runner-up finishes.
“To be able to do it again will be a massive achievement for us, which I think the country needs right now as well. 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,” urged Mikel.
Nigeria begins their campaign on January 14 against Equatorial Guinea, followed by a clash with the hosts four days later—a repeat of the 2013 quarter-final where they overcame Cote d’Ivoire 2-1. The Group A campaign concludes with a match against Guinea-Bissau on January 22.