Former Youth International, Waidi Akanni says winning the upcoming AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire will be a miracle for Nigeria.
Akanni, a member of Nigeria’s bronze medal-winning U-20 1985 FIFA World Youth Championship team, has expressed reservations about the national team’s readiness to lift the trophy, citing inadequate preparation as a significant hurdle. With just a fortnight remaining before the tournament kicks off on January 13.
Despite being ranked sixth on the continent and considered one of the favorites alongside Morocco, Egypt, Senegal, Algeria, and hosts Ivory Coast, Akanni highlighted key areas of concern, specifically pointing to the need for improvement in the midfield, defense, and goalkeeping departments.
Akanni emphasized the importance of predictability in a team and noted the uncertainties surrounding the Super Eagles’ pedigree.
He expressed disappointment in the lack of inclusion of home-based players in the final squad, suggesting that the coaching staff missed an opportunity to strengthen the team by giving local talents a chance.
““My expectations are the same whenever Super Eagles play; they have become very unreliable. I won’t expect much from them because I don’t want to be disappointed,” Akanni told the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, as per Igbere TV. “Winning AFCON will be a miracle for Nigeria.”
“One of the elements of a team is predictability; I can’t predict them because I don’t know their pedigree.
“I believe I’m not the only one that feels this way about the team; a lot needs to be worked on in the midfield, defence, and goalkeeping departments of the team.
Addressing the challenges of assembling a full squad with players involved in the European season, Akanni advocated for a more inclusive approach, especially considering the difficulties of getting all players together as a group just a week before the AFCON.
Nigeria, three-time winners of the AFCON, find themselves in Group A alongside hosts Ivory Coast, Guinea-Bissau, and Equatorial Guinea.
As the tournament approaches, Akanni’s concerns highlight the need for the Super Eagles to address crucial aspects of their game to enhance their prospects of clinching the prestigious African competition.
