Nigeria will be among the favourites to challenge for the continental trophy when hostilities begin in January
Former Barcelona winger Emmanuel Amuneke is convinced that there is still work to be done on the Super Eagles before they can be the team to beat at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, Soccernet.ng reports.
Nigeria will be gunning for a third AFCON honour in Ivory Coast after lifting the title in 1980, 1994, and 2013.
Amuneke was a member of the Nigerian team that conquered the rest of Africa on Tunisian soil 29 years ago, and the former Sporting Lisbon attacker is convinced the Super Eagles have the quality to rule the continent again next year.
Nigeria will boast the most valuable squad and the best attack at the AFCON, with Nantes striker Victor Osimhen, Bayer Leverkusen forward Victor Boniface, and AC Milan ace Samuel Chukwueze, among others.
However, Amuneke is concerned that having some of Africa’s best players in the squad may not be enough for the Super Eagles to soar to AFCON glory.
The former CAF Africa Player of the Year has urged the coaching crew to work on the team’s weak areas before the competition begins.
“We are blessed with a crop of talented players, but we can’t go to the tournament merely thinking we can win because we have good players,” Amuneke told BBC.
“Winning Afcon is not about players – there’s a whole lot to be planned and implemented.
“The offensive players must also be a part of the defence, especially when the team is not in possession.
“The coach should take a holistic look at his team and find a solution to make them compete well against other teams.”
The Super Eagles were sent packing out of the 2021 AFCON in the first knockout round following a shock 1-0 loss to Tunisia.
