'Players in Europe are performing well' - Ex-Real Madrid star backs Super Eagles to win AFCON

Former Real Madrid midfielder Mutiu Adepoju has expressed confidence about the Super Eagles chances of winning the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. 

Adepoju, who won the Africa Cup of Nations with the Super Eagles in 1994, emphasized the country's abundance of talents , both domestically and internationally, as a key factor that could propel the Super Eagles to victory.

The Super Eagles are set to compete at the AFCON for the twentieth time in their history after topping their qualifying group with 15 points from six matches. 

Nigeria have some of the best strikers in Africa at the moment including Ballon d'Or and The Best Fifa Men's Player nominee Victor Osimhen, Victor Boniface who has taken the Bundesliga by storm, and 2013 Fifa U17 World Cup Golden Ball winner Kelechi Iheanacho.

Taiwo Awoniyi, Wilfred Ndidi and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru are among the top performers for their respective teams.

 "We have many chances because we have a lot of players in Africa, and our players playing in Europe are performing exceptionally well in their clubs," Adepoju said to allnigeriasoccer.com 

"We also have many players in Nigerian clubs who are excelling. It's only a matter of time, and I believe that time has come."

Nigeria, a football powerhouse in Africa, has experienced a dry spell in terms of winning the AFCON since their last triumph in 2013.

Adepoju expressed his belief that the nation possesses the necessary quality and determination to clinch the title this time around. 

He continued: "We can't be saying we are just going to the Nations Cup to participate. Since 2013, we've not won any AFCON.

"We've reached the semifinals a few times, but we haven't won it. I think it's time, and we also have the quality to win it."

The former midfielder highlighted the importance of ambition and proper preparation in achieving success at the tournament.

He emphasized that the responsibility lies with the current coaching staff and players, stating: "I believe that all coaches have their own plans, so it is not for me to decide.

"He [the coach] has the ambition; all Nigerians have the ambition, and he has talked about it. He will be the one to determine the necessary preparations to actualize this dream."

Adeyemi Adewale
 

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