Super Eagles possess talent, capacity to succeed at AFCON, says Aghahowa

Super Eagles

Julius Aghahowa, a former Super Eagles striker, says the team possesses the necessary talent and capacity to succeed at the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament.

Aghahowa said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday while reacting to the below-par performances of the Super Eagles and preparations for the 2024 AFCON.

NAN reports that Nigeria Super Eagles will play the Biennial AFCON starting from Jan. 13 to Feb. 11 and are in Group A which has the host, Cote D’Ivoire, and Guinea-Bissau, as well as Equatorial Guinea.

Nigeria is to play the first match against Equatorial Guinea on Jan. 14, play host Cote D’Ivoire Jan. 18, and square up against Guinea-Bissau in the last match of the group on Jan. 22, 2024.

Aghahowa, who scored 14 international goals for Nigeria, emphasised the importance of absolute commitment among players representing the Nigerian national team.

While commending the talent within the Super Eagles squad, Aghahowa said that wearing the national jersey requires more than just skill.

He also said that the players should demonstrate unwavering commitment and passion when playing for the country.

He, however, raised concerns about the players’ level of commitment, particularly when facing challenges unique to playing in Africa, unlike in Europe where the style of play is more familiar.

According to him, competing in Africa presents different difficulties, such as facing home-based players who bring a strong sense of national pride to the game.

The former striker noted that when other African countries face Nigeria, they often put up strong fights to gain recognition on the global stage.

“I am optimistic about Super Eagles’ chances at the AFCON, the players are