AFCON 2023: Former Super Eagles Captain Mikel Obi Speaks on Nigeria’s Chances in Ivory Coast

• Mikel Obi believes the present crop of players in the Super Eagles can give Nigerians something to cheer about
• Jose Peseiro’s team are making final preparations for the forthcoming AFCON tournament in Ivory Coast
• Mikel admits that the current squad is relatively young, but wants Nigerians to give them support

Former Nigerian international Mikel Obi has shared his thoughts ahead of the forthcoming Africa Cup of Nations billed to start in Ivory Coast next January.

Nigeria are drawn in the dicey Group A alongside Equatorial Guinea, Guinea Bissau, and host Ivory Coast.

Following recent poor performances from the Super Eagles, there are concerns over their chances at the continental showpiece.

Mikel, who was part of the squad that won the tournament in 2013, disclosed that the current team plays a totally different kind of football.

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

Football

According to him, the world has witnessed significant change in the last decade, and the present crop of players in the Nigerian national team are much younger.

The ex-Chelsea defensive midfielder is optimistic that Jose Peseiro’s boys can give fans something to be proud of when the tournament kicks off.

Mikel told CAF Media via Footballlive:

“There is a lot of difference, isn’t it? Football has changed from ten years ago and dogmatically, it has really changed. I think this group of players now are a very young team.

“They play a totally different brand of football, so let’s hope we can really see good performance by us, the Nigerian team.”

Ahmed Musa calls for more experienced players

Meanwhile, Ahmed Musa has lamented the lack of enough experienced players in the current Super Eagles squad as they continue to struggle to get results.

The team captain, who missed out on the November matches, lamented that some fans have mismanaged their passion for the national team, causing some big stars to leave.

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

Football

He also called on the inclusion of more experienced players in the Nigerian team, in a bid to inspire better performances from the younger players.

Nigerians demand Peseiro’s sack

Sports Brief earlier reported that Nigerian fans called on the sacking of Super Eagles coach Jose Peseiro following their draw with Lesotho in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.

The Eagles have begun the World Cup qualifying series on a poor note after a 1-1 draw with the Crocodiles inside the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.

Their second game against Zimbabwe also ended in a stalemate.