Omeruo: Ex Chelsea Star Discloses What Eagles Learnt From AFCON Opener, Speaks on Ivory Coast Clash

• Kenneth Omeruo has highlighted what they learned in their AFCON 2023 opener against Equatorial Guinea
• The former Chelsea defender also shared his thoughts about Nigeria's next game against host Ivory Coast
• The Super Eagles of Nigeria will face the Elephants at the Olympic Stadium of Ebimpe on Thursday evening

Super Eagles defender Kenneth Omeruo has disclosed what they learnt from their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations opener against Equatorial Guinea ahead of their clash with Ivory Coast.

The three-time champions struggled to get past the National Thunder in their first game as they played out a 1-1 draw.

Victor Osimhen's header in the 38th minute cancelled out Iban Salvador's strike to end the game in a stalemate.

In an exclusive interview with Sports Brief, the former Chelsea star highlighted what the Super Eagles learnt from their first game in the competition and deliberated on other topics, especially Nigeria's next match against Ivory Coast.

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"It was not a bad game for us; it's just that we missed a lot of chances," he said.

"I think the lesson is to convert the chances, which wasn't easy playing in that difficult weather condition. It was a good game; we've watched the game [again], and it wasn't a bad game for us, just that the result was not in our favour."

The former Middlesbrough defender also spoke on Thursday's game against the host nation Ivory Coast and disclosed what Nigerians should expect from them.

"Nigerians should expect us to try to give our best and win the game," he added.

"Obviously, they are playing at home as the host [nation]. I think we are better than them, and I think we can win that game, but we have to go out there, stay focused and try to win."

He also shared his thoughts on the Super Eagles' recent poor performance and failing the coin-out results.

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"Being impressive, I think that one is out of the question because we always dominate our games, and hopefully, we pray we win and be lucky we convert our chances on Thursday."

Speaking on the recent injury crises, the former Leganes captain admitted that it affected the team's mentality before the tournament started.

"[The injury crisis] definitely affected because these players are part of the team and should be starting in games, but it is what it is. We have good players that have been called up to replace them, and hopefully, we can get a win on Thursday."

Nwabili speaks on performance against Equatorial Guinea

Sports Brief earlier reported on Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabili sharing his thoughts about his performance in Nigeria's draw against Equatorial Guinea in their AFCON 2023 opener.

One of the major discussions from fans and journalists about the game was Jose Peseiro's decision to start the Chippa United star ahead of the other two goalkeepers.