AFCON 2023: Super Eagles Goalkeeper Issues Strong Statement, Sends Message to Nigerian Fans

• Ojo Olorunleke is delighted to be part of the Super Eagles party at the 2023 AFCON
• The Nigerian national team are tipped among the competition’s favourite
• The shot-stopper has urged fans back home to give the team their maximum support

The countdown to the 34th edition of Africa’s biggest football festival, the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), is on, and a host of teams are raring to go all the way.

Amongst numerous teams tipped to clinch the prestigious AFCON crown are the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

The three-time Cup of Nations winners head in this tournament edition with one of the best-attacking lineups of any African team in recent history.

The flurry of stars at the disposal of coach Jose Peseiro has left many optimistic about the team.

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However, the potential Achilles' heel for the Super Eagles lies in their goalkeeping department, an area opponents may seek to exploit.

As the competition approaches, Super Eagles goalkeeper Olorunleke Ojo urges calm and sends a rallying message to Nigerian fans, emphasising the importance of unwavering support for their nation.

Super Eagles goalkeeper sends message to fans

In an exclusive interview with Sports Brief, the 28-year-old Enyimba international goalkeeper passionately called for fans' support as the Eagles gear up for their AFCON title pursuit.

Reflecting on his call-up to the national team, Ojo expressed gratitude, acknowledging the significance of being the lone NPFL player.

"I consider it a massive plus and a privilege to be the only NPFL player, and I dedicate this invitation and success to every NPFL player," Ojo stated.

Addressing concerns about the goalkeeping challenges facing the Eagles, he emphasised the importance of timing and encouraged patience.

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"I believe everything comes with timing. The goalkeeping issue seems magnified due to how Nigerians perceive the department. Their perspective exacerbates the challenges faced by goalkeepers," Ojo explained.

On a personal note, the shot-stopper urged genuine support for whoever assumes the goalkeeping role during the tournament, expressing confidence in the team's capabilities. He said,

"Whoever is in goal should receive maximum genuine support. We have skilled hands in the team's goalkeeping department, and with adequate support, we can go all the way to win the title."

The goalkeeper's rallying cry aims to alleviate the pressure and scrutiny faced by the national team's goalkeeping department.

Nigerians are hopeful that the chosen goalkeeper for the competition will receive unwavering support and be instrumental in helping the team coast to victory.

Okocha criticises CAF

Sports Brief previously reported on former Super Eagles captain, Okocha criticising CAF's packed scheduling of the 2023 AFCON tournament.

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The former Nigerian international was particular about the adverse effects on the marketability of elite African players to top clubs across Europe.

Okocha urged the competition’s officials to employ all means to see the tournament is hosted in the summer, like its European counterpart.