As the 2023 African Cup of Nations draws nigh, one of the most revered tacticians in the country, Samson Unuanel believes that with adequate preparations the Super Eagles of Nigeria will not only surpass expectations but triumph in the forthcoming 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire, platinumnewsng.com is reporting.
In an exclusive chat with Complete Sports, the former Enyimba, Niger Tornadoes, Kwara United and Osun United Manager noted that the Nigeria men’s senior national team are cut out to face strong and competitive sides going into the tournament.
“I expect a very competitive tournament considering the countries that will grace the game.”
This year’s biennial tournament being the 34th edition of the biggest sports event in Africa, will take place across four major cities in Ivory Coast starting from January 13 to February 11, 2024, in Abidjan, Yamoussoukro, Bouake, San Pedro, and Korhogo. Meanwhile, the three-time African champions are drawn up with the hosts Ivory Coast, Equatorial Guinea and Guinea-Bissau in Group A.
He further said that with the exceptional talents that have been called up by the 63-year-old Portuguese gaffer to don the colours of the country and with good preparation from the coaching staff, Nigeria remains one of the favourites to win the tournament.
“No doubt, the Super Eagles is one of the favourites to win the tournament but with good preparation and calibre of players at our disposal, I want to sound very optimistic that Nigeria can win the trophy.
The Super Eagles’ training camp in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates has started receiving the players and officials of the team as of Tuesday (yesterday afternoon/night) with light training sessions said to fully begin Wednesday (today) where they will spend a whole week of concrete preparations ahead of the competition.
He also said that proper orientation and organising good friendly games will help the team bond well and also lead them to win a fourth AFCON title.
“With good friendly games organised to help the team understand themselves, I believe Nigeria will come out victorious at the end of the tournament.”
Afterwards, José Peseiro’s men will fly out to Abidjan on Wednesday, January 10 ahead of their first game of the group against Equatorial Guinea on Monday, January 14, at the Stade Olympique Alassane Quattara.