Dosu Joseph: Super Eagles Legend Makes Bold Predictions Ahead of AFCON in Ivory Coast

• The commencement of the Africa Cup of Nations is on the horizon
• A host of teams are poised to leave their mark on the football Mundial
• A former Super Eagles goalkeeper has made a bold prediction ahead of the AFCON

The grand stage is set, teams have touched down, and Ivory Coast stands poised – the 34th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is upon us.

The continent’s biggest football showpiece is here, and a host of teams are raring to leave a mark on the prestigious football competition.

Ahead of the start of the tournament, a host of Africa’s football legends have taken time to reflect on previous editions and experiences at the tournament, and a few others seized the opportunity to share their bold predictions for the event.

One such legend is former Super Eagles goalkeeper Dosu Joseph. In an exclusive chat with Sports Brief, the goalkeeper disclosed his insights and predictions for AFCON, particularly regarding the Nigeria national team.

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Dosu Joseph’s Super Eagles prediction

Quizzed about how far Jose Peseiro’s team could go at the tournament, the Atlanta 1996 Olympic Gold winner responded:

“Yes, I give it to them. We have what it takes to become champions. We have [Victor] Osimhen, the midfield, and the defence.

They are all experienced players. It is all about determination and character to bring out the best in the Nigerian team.”

Further probed on his pick for the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the tournament, Dosu gave his nod to Osimhen:

“ I will give it to Osimhen.”

The retired goalkeeper's predictions align closely with prevailing sentiments in Nigerian football circles. When pressed for his preferred starting lineup for the Eagles, the 50-year-old chose not to specify, emphasising:

“Everyone in Nigeria has what they regard as their ideal starting XI. I do not want to pick a lineup for Peseiro. The coach has his final say. Let's leave the line up to him, and let us just support our nation.”

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The former shot-stopper concluded by extending his best wishes to the team in the upcoming AFCON. The Super Eagles embark on their campaign with a face-off against Equatorial Guinea.

Dosu Joseph on Oliseh’s celebration

Sports Brief in a previous report highlighted former Super Eagles goalkeeper Dosu Joseph explained the reason behind Sunday Oliseh’s iconic celebration at the World Cup in France in 1998.

The midfielder, who scored a belter in the group stage fixture against Spain, celebrated wildly by pointing to the stands and chanting the name of his former teammate ‘Dosu’, ‘Dosu’.

Nigeria would go on to see a historic 3-2 FIFA World Cup victory against La Roja.