Super Eagles Defender Asserts Confidence Ahead of AFCON Clash Against Ivory Coast

• Nigeria recorded an underwhelming draw against Equatorial Guinea
• The result has fueled growing scepticism surrounding the Super Eagles
• A defender has spoken ahead of the clash against host nation Ivory Coast

The Super Eagles of Nigeria commenced their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) journey with an underwhelming draw against the Nzalang Nacional of Equatorial Guinea.

Despite being heavily favoured, the three-time Cup of Nations champions fell short of expectations, conceding a goal 36 minutes into the game, courtesy of a strike from Iban Salvador.

Nigeria, however, swiftly responded, thanks to a well-executed header from the prominent forward Victor Osimhen.

The remainder of the game was largely underwhelming, with little to differentiate between the two teams. The somewhat lacklustre match placed both teams behind the table-topping Ivory Coast.

However, following the conclusion of the game, a defender of the Super Eagles has urged calm, making a bold statement ahead of the team's upcoming clash against the host nation.

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Super Eagles defender on Ivory Coast clash

Following the conclusion of the match, defender Bright Osayi-Samuel took to the media to discuss a flurry of topics pertaining to the game.

As reported by media outlet Brila.net, the Fenerbahce star expressed his thoughts on the match, stating,

"We wanted to win, and it's a bit disappointing. A big nation like ours is expected to win every game. We cannot put our heads down; we have a game in the next four days, and we have to win."

When questioned about the upcoming game against Ivory Coast, the 26-year-old confidently declared,

"In the next game, we will bring our reaction and show our nation how good we are. Against Ivory Coast, we will showcase our best. I think we perform better when facing those big teams."

The defender's words serve as a defiant call to action ahead of the crucial second fixture for the Super Eagles. Nigeria is scheduled to face Jean-Louis Gasset's side on January 18 at the Stade Alassane Outtara.

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Peseiro goes spiritual after draw

Sports Brief in a previous report stated Super Eagles coach Jose Peseiro went spiritual following his team’s draw against Equatorial Guinea.

The 63-year-old, seemingly feeling the heat following his team’s underwhelming sowing, remarked in a somewhat philosophical manner that God is the one that gives victory.

The words of the Portuguese further add to the growing scepticism that has been meted out to the Nigerian national team.