Exclusive: Eagles Will Make Headway In 2023 AFCON –Rufai

Former Nigerian international, Peter Rufai says he’s confident the Super Eagles will make a positive progress at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

Recall that Nigeria has been pitted alongside host, Ivory Coast, Guinea Bissau and Equatorial Guinea in Group A.

The Super Eagles will aim at winning the trophy for the fourth time after winning the last time in South Africa 2013.

In a chat with Completesports.com, the 1994 AFCON winner said that Nigeria have a big chance of progressing to the next round.

“It’s a good group for the Super Eagles and I think we have a big chance of qualifying to the next round.

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“We know football is not what is used to be anymore. It has gone really dynamic and notwithstanding, if it’s gone dynamic, Nigeria is capable of coping with it.

“All the same, I think Nigeria will make a headway in that group.”

Reigning champions Senegal are aiming to retain their crown but face a tricky group alongside Cameroon, Guinea and the Gambia. Meanwhile, Egypt and Ghana will battle for supremacy in Group B.

The tournament was originally set for mid-2023 but was moved to January/February 2024 over weather concerns. This could see some stars like Mohamed Salah miss club games for Liverpool and other European teams. The final will take place on 11 February as the continent’s top 24 sides compete across six venues in Ivory Coast.

The full draw is as follows:

Group A
Ivory Coast
Nigeria
Guinea Bissau
Equatorial Guinea

Group B
Mozambique
Cape Verde
Ghana
Egypt

Group C
Gambia
Guinea
Cameroon
Senegal

Group D
Angola
Mauritania
Burkina Faso
Algeria

Group E
Namibia
South Africa
Mali
Tunisia

Group F
Tanzania
Zambia
DR Congo
Morocco.

By Augustine Akhilomen