AFCON 2023: Jay Jay Okocha Fires Strong Message to Super Eagles, Jose Peseiro

• AFCON 2023 is barely three months away, and Jay Jay Okocha is impressed with the current Super Eagles squad
• The former Nigerian international has, however, sent a strong message to the team coached by Jose Peseiro
• Okocha stated that a lot is being expected from the team ahead of the continental showpiece

Former Nigerian international Jay Jay Okocha has stated that the Super Eagles are expected to do well at the forthcoming Africa Cup of Nations, which starts in January.

The former team captain disclosed that Jose Peseiro’s side should be able to win a medal at the tournament slated for Ivory Coast.

Okocha, who was part of the Nigerian national team that won the title in 1994, has a wealth of experience with the continental showpiece.

He also finished second in the continental competition once and finished third thrice in successive editions.

A list of the best Nigerian players abroad: Super Eagles’ best footballers

Football

The former Bolton Wanderers star has insisted that the current crop of the Super Eagles squad is full of talented players, especially in the attack and midfield. He told GOAL:

“You need at least two or three big players in each position, and I think at the moment, in the striking role, we’re more than equipped.

“In midfield as well, we’ve got good players. Defence has always been challenging for us, but I think we’ve got a good mix of experience and young players as well.

“So I see no reason why we shouldn’t expect the team to, at least, get to the semi-final. I’m speaking from a former football player's point of view, you know. Even as your target should be to get to the semi-final anything can happen from there. You have to give yourself a chance to win a medal.

“We’re expecting so much from the team and the manager.”

The biggest World Cup snubs: A list of footballers left out of their countries’ World Cup squad

Football

Nigeria ranked sixth best African team

Sports Brief earlier reported that Nigeria have failed to move up or down in the latest FIFA ranking ahead of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations draw.

The Super Eagles' latest 6-0 win over Sao Tome and Principe could not help them move up on the international football body's official list.

The three-time African champions have been ranked the sixth-best team from the continent and 39th in the world.