Five Things To Expect From Super Eagles AFCON Group Matches

The Super Eagles will on Saturday, 22 June, begin their campaign in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations with a clash against Burundi.

Izuchukwu Okosi presents five things Nigerian football faithful can expect to witness from their team's games in Alexandria.

1. Nigeria To Score In All Three Matches

The team that Super Eagles head coach Gernot Rohr have put together for the AFCON is parked with attacking talents either as primary strikers or wingers who are almost certain to score when supplied the balls by the midfield...

2. But No Nine Points For The Eagles

The Eagles will reach the knockout stages of Egypt 2019 but contrary to widespread beliefs that Rohr's generals will ease past Burundi, Guinea and Madagascar, expect the three time AFCON champions to 'bottle it' and be held to a draw by one of the three group opponents.

Group stage finish for Nigeria: 1st with 7points.


3. Chukwueze, Other Debutants To Steal The Show

There will be many debutants for Nigeria and other countries at the AFCON.

In the case of the Super Eagles, this is however one of the most talented bunch of the national team players ever assembled for a major tournament bar the 1994 AFCON. World Cup; 1996 Olympics (and perhaps the 1987 U-20 Flying Eagles side that crashed out of Chile 87).

Expect rave reviews on the performances of players like Samuel Chukwueze, Henry Onyekuru, Victor Osimhen, Samuel Kalu, Moses Simon and Paul Onuachu.

4. Social Media 'War' Between Players and Fans

During tournaments of such magnitude, fans tend to be somewhat silly and overly expectant of how the national team performs, had performed, or have posted certain things on the social media.

This will put some of the players under pressure and they will be up for it with a response of their own.

Hopefully it doesn't get messy and distract the players.

5. Distractions From NFF Big Wigs

Regretfully when Nigerian national teams are participating on a major tournament, they are hosts of many Nigeria Football Federation who throng their bases for different reasons.

This is an exercise that must be stopped but expect a visit by the 'men in Agbada' who by the way will arrive Egypt with their 'friends' and family members.


Izuchukwu Okosi