AFCON

NFF President banks on In-form Super Eagles stars to achieve AFCON success

By Asuquo

Posted on January 5, 2024

Nigeria gets five 2023 CAF Awards top-three entries Nigeria will be in contention for 2023 CAF awards as, Victor Osimhen, Asisat Oshoala, Chiamaka Nnadozie, Deborah Abiodun and the Super Falcons have made the top-three shortlist for award categories. This is according to official announcement by the Confederation of African football [CAF] via its X handle on Thursday, December 7, 2023. CAF trimmed the list of nominees to three for the men and women award categories ahead of the grand-ceremony in Morocco, this weekend. In the men's category, Victor Osimhen will battle, Mohamed Salah [Egypt] and Achraf Hakimi [Morocco] for the Player of the year award. In the women's category, Nigeria is in contention in four categories. Super Falcons and FC Barcelona striker, Asisat Oshoala is up against South Africa’s Thembi Kgatlana and Barbara Banda of Zambia for the Women’s player of the year award. Oshoala who has won the award for a record five times will eye a sixth crown with Thembi Kgatlana expected to mount a serious challenge. Paris FC and Super Falcons star, Chiamaka Nnadozie is favourite to land the CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year award. The 22-year old is in the top-three alongside Khadija Er-Rmichi of Morocco and South Africa’s Andile Dlamini. Super Falcons midfielder Deborah Abiodun will face Comfort Yeboah of Ghana and Morocco’s Nesryne El Chad for the Young Player of the Year, award. Also, the Super Falcons of Nigeria , are in the top-three for the National Team of the Year (Women) award. Fast-rising Morocco and current African champions South Africa, complete the shortlist for that category. American coach, Randy Waldrum is not in the top-three for the Coach of the Year award. Reynald Pedro of Morocco, Desiree Ellis of South Africa, and Jerry Tshabalala of Mamelodi Sundowns are preferred to the former Super Falcons coach. The 2023 CAF Awards ceremony will take place in Morocco on December 11, 2023.

Ibrahim Gusau, the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), has exuded confidence in the Super Eagles’ capability to secure victory at the imminent 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Gusau attributed his optimism to the formidable presence of Victor Osimhen, whom he lauded as the continent’s premier player and the form of the countries Europe based stars, positioning Nigeria as strong contenders for the coveted championship.

In an interview with Totori News, Gusau voiced his belief in the team’s potential, emphasizing the exceptional talent and contributions of emerging players flourishing in their respective European clubs.

“We have upcoming and talented players, who are doing wonderfully well in their European clubs and ready to make a name for themselves,” expressed Gusau.

Specifically singling out Victor Osimhen, Gusau hailed the striker as the best player in Africa, highlighting his unparalleled skills. Despite Osimhen’s individual prowess, Gusau acknowledged that the coveted AFCON title is yet to grace the striker’s illustrious career.

Under the guidance of manager Jose Peseiro, the Super Eagles are poised to kick off their AFCON campaign against Equatorial Guinea at the Alssanne Quattara Stadium in Ebimpe, Abidjan, on Sunday, January 14. The NFF President’s unwavering confidence in the team reflects not only high expectations but also a profound belief in the potential of Nigerian football to excel on the grand continental stage.