It’s time to bring AFCON trophy back to Nigeria, declares Chukwueze

Nigerian winger #11 Samuel Chukwueze (L) runs with the ball during the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) 2024 group A football match between Guinea-Bissau and Nigeria at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan on January 22, 2024. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP)

AC Milan winger, Samuel Chukwueze has declared that it is time for the Super Eagles to bring the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) trophy back home to Nigeria.

Chukwueze said this on Thursday during a chat with the Super Eagles media officer, Babafemi Raji even as the team prepares to face Ivory Coast in the final of AFCON 2023.

Nigeria showed determination and resilience to beat South Africa 4-2 on penalties in the semi-finals of AFCON 2023 to reach the final where they will face the host nation.

After playing out to a 1-1 draw after regulation and extra time, Kelechi Iheanacho scored the decisive penalty to send the three-time champions into Sunday’s grand finale.

Chukwueze who replaced Moses Simon in the 63rd minute against South Africa with his introduction appearing to improve the Super Eagles’ attack had a chat with Raji.

“I don’t think we are in the celebration mood again, we are trying to recover from the game at the moment and focus on the final match against the host nation, Ivory Coast,” the forward said.

“We know the clash with Ivory Coast is not going to be easy because nobody told us it would be but I so much believe in this team and we have been fighting from the start.

“So, this is the time to bring the trophy back home to Nigeria. We have decided to have some meetings and all the players have talked about the final, the captain and the coach.

“So, as things are, the next thing is for us to start preparing towards the final game on Sunday.”

Nigeria will aim to