Bernard Parker: Former Bafana Bafana Star Drops AFCON 2023 Predictions Concerning Osimhen and Salah

• Bernard Parker dropped his predictions ahead of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations
• The ex-Bafana Bafana star featured in the 2013 edition hosted by South Africa
• The ex-Kaizer Chiefs star also talked about Victor Osimhen and Mohamed Salah

Former Kaizer Chiefs star Bernard Parker has dropped some predictions concerning Victor Osimhen and Mohamed Salah for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.

The TS Galaxy forward, who was part of the Bafana Bafana squad for the 2013 edition, has backed two players to make a significant impact in the competition.

The 34th edition of the competition will kick off in Abidjan on Saturday, with the first match being between the host nation and Guinea Bissau.

According to a report by Soccer Laduma, the former South African international tipped both Osimhen and Salah to light up the AFCON in Ivory Coast.

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"My top two players that are going to rule the AFCON; You know, there are a lot of top-quality players playing in top teams for the top countries here on the continent as well," he said.

"But the two that will stand out for me is Victor Osimhen, from Napoli and Nigeria. He has been in great form, and I know he will make a big difference for the Super Eagles as they are looking to win this AFCON.

"[As well as] Mohamed Salah, who has been in exceptional form for his country, both in the AFCON and World qualifiers."

Osimhen will lead Nigeria against the host, Guinea-Bissau, and Equatorial Guinea, while Salah will lead the Pharaohs against Cape Verde, Ghana, and Mozambique in the group stage.

AFCON teams name final squads for competition

Sports Brief earlier reported that 24 teams are making their final preparations ahead of the competition, which kicks off on Saturday, January 13.

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Coaches have submitted their final squads for the showpiece and have chosen the players who will represent their respective countries at AFCON this year.

South Africa will be without Burnley striker Lyle Foster, who was left out of the squad due to recent mental health struggles, while Ivory Coast will miss former Manchester United forward Wilfred Zaha.