Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Guardian Nigeria
Published on 2024-01-31 14:09:05
As the ongoing 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament in Cote d` Ivoire progresses, some football fans have issued a cautionary warning to the Super Eagles, urging them not to underestimate their opponents. These warnings were voiced in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Keffi, Keffi Local Government Area of Nasarawa State on Wednesday.
Umar Muhammed, Financial Secretary of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Nasarawa State Chapter, emphasized the potential threat posed by every team that has qualified for the quarter finals of the tournament. He advised the Eagles not to overlook or take Angola and other teams lightly, despite Nigeria’s higher ratings in recent FIFA rankings and on paper. Muhammed stressed that in the game of football, the outcome is never guaranteed until the final whistle is blown, and thus, the Eagles should not rely solely on their CAF ranking.
Richard Ajegena highlighted the presence of ‘giant killers’ in the 2023 AFCON edition, citing the surprising defeats of teams like Morocco, Egypt, and Algeria. He urged the Super Eagles to exercise caution and vigilance, emphasizing that all eyes are on them. Ajegena emphasized the absence of minnows in African football any longer and urged Nigeria to go above and beyond their previous performances to avoid an upset from Angola.
Suleiman Musa, another football enthusiast, called for the Eagles to avoid complacency and to approach upcoming matches with a sense of responsibility and renewed energy. He noted the tournament’s propensity for surprises in favor of ‘smaller’ teams and stressed the need for alertness and caution in every game.
Overall, the fans’ message to the Super Eagles was clear: do not underestimate any opponent in the tournament, stay vigilant, and approach each game with renewed determination and energy. Despite Nigeria’s strong performances and solid defense, the fans emphasize the importance of being prepared for any challenge.
