AFCON 2023: Peter Rufai Gives Super Eagles Formula to Win Tournament

• The Super Eagles have been urged to develop a winning mentality
• The West Africans are pursuing a fourth AFCON title in Ivory Coast
• Nigeria begin the campaign on January 14 against Equatorial Guinea

The Super Eagles of Nigeria have been told to develop a winning mentality to stand a chance of winning the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

Nigeria, tipped as one of the favourites, is bidding to end their 10-year wait for Africa’s biggest football prize as they aim to reclaim the title they last won in 2013 under the late Stephen Keshi.

According to Complete Sports, ex-Super Eagles goalkeeper, Peter Rufai noted the current crop of players in the Nigerian team has what it takes to win the tournament, but they must develop a winning culture.

"In terms of quality players, yes we have it. But that is not enough to win the tournament if the players don’t develop a winning mentality."

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Nigeria, paired alongside two-time AFCON winners and host nation, Ivory Coast, will kick off their campaign against Equatorial Guinea on January 14.

Super Eagles among AFCON favourites

Meanwhile, Super Eagles head coach, Jose Peseiro has reckoned that Nigeria is among the top six favourites to win the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, Daily Post reports.

Reigning champions Senegal, Morocco, Egypt, Ivory Coast, and Cameroon have also been tipped as the favourites to win the 34th edition of the tournament but the Super Eagles coach is backing his charges to upset the big boys.

Nigeria has won the AFCON title three times in the past and Peseiro hopes to be a part of positive history as the coach to bring a fourth championship back to the West African nation.

Nigeria ranked sixth in Africa

Sports Brief also previously reported on Nigeria ending 2023 ahead of Ghana and 2026 World Cup qualifiers group opponents, South Africa in the latest FIFA rankings.

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The Super Eagles have been ranked 42nd in the world in the rankings released on Thursday, December 21 as they remained unchanged from their November rankings.

Nigeria, ranked as the sixth-best African team, are still ahead of the Black Stars and Bafana Bafana and will aim to improve this going into next year’s AFCON tourney.