John Obi Mikel Foresees Tough AFCON Path for Nigeria in Group A Clash

Former Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel has shed light on Nigeria's upcoming journey in the 2023 CAF Africa Cup of Nations. According to Soccernet.ng, Mikel foresees a challenging path for the Nigerian team, emphasizing their prospects at the tournament. The Super Eagles find themselves placed in Group A alongside hosts Ivory Coast, Equatorial Guinea, and Guinea-Bissau for the AFCON.

With a combined total of five AFCON titles between Nigeria and Ivory Coast, Mikel has earmarked both nations as favorites to progress beyond the group stage. However, he remains cautious of the threats posed by the other teams within Group A.

Mikel acknowledges Equatorial Guinea's potential to cause an upset, despite their limited history in the tournament. Having made just four appearances, they finished fourth in 2015, demonstrating their capability to surprise established teams.

In contrast, Guinea-Bissau, while yet to advance past the group phase in their AFCON history since their debut in 2017, managed to stun Nigeria earlier, securing a 1-0 victory at the Abuja National Stadium in March.

Expressing confidence in the Super Eagles' abilities, Mikel anticipates their progression beyond the initial round. He emphasized the competitive landscape of the tournament, indicating that Nigeria might face a stiff challenge against hosts Ivory Coast in their bid to advance to the knockout stage.

Mikel, who played a pivotal role in Nigeria's 2013 AFCON victory, is optimistic about their chances. Having been instrumental in the Super Eagles' path to clinching the championship title for the third time, Mikel’s experience underscores his belief in Nigeria's potential to navigate through the tournament's challenges.