A former Ivory Coast star said Nigeria Super Eagles are among 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) pogtential winners as he named his favourites to claim the trophy.
Super Eagles disappointed manhy during their last participation in the AFCON in Cameroon.
Nigeria then coached by Augustine Eguavoen was knocked out in the round of 16 by Tunisia while they were listed among title contenders.
Since the country’s last Africa Cup of Nations triumph in 2013, Nigeria only finished in the tournament’s Top 3 in 2019 when they beat Tunisia to claim the bronze medal.
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However, Jose Peseiro has a star-studded squad for the Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire and many, even former Everton striker Arouna Kone sees Super Eagles as one of the favourites to win the trophy.
“I would say at first glance Ivory Coast. I’m not saying it because I’m Ivorian. But I say it because we have quality in our team,” he told Sport Ivoire.
“Next to Ivory Coast, there are the Lions of Téranga, reigning champions and the Atlas Lions of Morocco who had an exceptional performance during the World Cup in Qatar.
“After those, there are the natural favourites who will have their say. I want to talk about Cameroon, Nigeria, and Ghana without forgetting Egypt with seven continental titles.”
In addition, Nigeria is in Group A alongside hosts Ivory Coast, Equatorial Guinea and Guinea.