Former Board Member and South-East Director of Nationwide League One (NLO), Ebere Amaraizu, has tipped Super Eagles and national teams of Morocco and Senegal for finals of the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Amaraizu mave the prediction while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu on Saturday on favourites to win the tournament.
NAN reports that the AFCON tournament would kicked off on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024, in Cote d’Ivoire.
Amaraizu noted that it was only sheer complacency and lack of focus that would stop the Super Eagles getting into the finals of the continental fiesta.
According to him, “I can feel the passion and hunger among players of the Super Eagles to bring the AFCON trophy back to Nigeria.
“On paper, national teams like that of our Nigeria, Morocco and Senegal first as well as Cameroon, Egypt and Ghana following are among teams that could be the favourites to lift the trophy.
“These national teams could also be tipped for better outing owing to their players’ pedigree and ratings.
“However, they should also understand that other teams are there to make a valid statement,” he said.
Amaraizu, who is also the former General Manager of 2018 Enugu State Aiteo Cup victorious Crime Busters FC, Enugu, also noted that “football is not a respecter of big names of players and countries”.
“It is a game that requires purposefulness, hardwork, focus and high concentration with formidable team spirit devoid of complacency.
“There are teams without big names that will try to make indelible statement in order to be known,” he said.
The football administrator expressed optimism over Super Eagles making it to the top of Group A table with Cote d’Ivoire, Guinea Bissau and Equatorial Guinea following in that order. (NAN)
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