Super Eagles Legend Opens Up on Why Nigeria Cannot Win the AFCON in Ivory Coast

• The 34th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations is almost underway
• The Super Eagles of Nigeria are largely tipped to clinch the trophy
• A former AFCON winner believes Nigeria can't win in Ivory Coast

The 34th edition of the continent’s biggest football tournament, the Africa Cup of Nations, is on the horizon, and a host of teams are poised to leave their indelible mark on the competition slated for Ivory Coast.

A flurry of teams is considered top contenders to win the crown as the competition kicks off, with Nigeria's Super Eagles being among the nations widely tipped for success.

The three-time Cup of Nations champions boast impeccable attacking prowess, which undoubtedly is the envy of many participating teams. However, ahead of the showpiece, a former AFCON winner has stated that Jose Peseiro’s men will not win the competition.

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AFCON winner doubts Nigeria

2013 Cup of Nations winner Brown Ideye has emphasised that the Nigerian national team cannot secure victory in the upcoming showpiece event in Ivory Coast.

During his participation in a Twitter Space discussion, the 35-year-old was questioned about the prospects of the Eagles replicating their 2013 success.

However, the former West Brom forward expressed his belief that the Super Eagles are not adequately prepared.

"We have talented players in the squad, but we don't have a cohesive team. We are still in the process of building a team because we lack the unity required to win the AFCON," Ideye stated.

"I don't see the current Eagles winning this AFCON; it's not possible. We are not ready and don't possess what it takes.”

Ideye's sentiments sharply contrast with the opinions of many former Nigerian internationals who have openly shared their optimism about the team's chances in the tournament.

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Despite Ideye's scepticism, the Super Eagles will aim to prove the former Nigerian forward wrong as they commence their campaign against Equatorial Guinea on January 14th.

Bafana Bafana fans predict AFCON winner

Sports Brief in a previous report highlighted that fans of the South African national team have predicted their likely AFCON winner.

Bafana Bafana fans took to social media to air their thoughts. While a host threw their support behind their country, others appear to favour the host nation and the Senegalese national side, amongst other choices.

The 2023 AFCON will kick off in Ivory Coast on January 14.