AFCON 2023: How Nigeria's Super Eagles Can Win the Tournament, Per Guinea Bissau Coach

• The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations will begin the Round of 16 stage this weekend
• Nigeria recently faced off against their fellow West African nation, Guinea-Bissau
• The coach of the Djurtus has given his view on how the Super Eagles can win AFCON

The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) continues to take shape, with the group phase of the competition wrapping up on Wednesday (January 24).

Several early favourites have found the going tough, leading fans and stakeholders to reconsider their choices for potential winners in Ivory Coast.

One such individual who has been given the task of selecting which nation he believes will win the AFCON is Guinea-Bissau’s coach, Baciro Cande.

The 56-year-old, who saw his side experience an early AFCON exit courtesy of the three defeats at the hands of Ivory Coast, Equatorial Guinea, and Nigeria, has dubbed Jose Peseiro’s team as favourites to win the AFCON.

Lagos State Governor encourages Super Eagles to win AFCON in Ivory Coast

Football

However, the veteran manager has given an outline of what the Super Eagles must do to claim another continental title.

Guinea-Bissau coach on Nigeria’s AFCON chances

Speaking to the media after his team were eliminated from the competition, as reported by Brila.net, Cande stressed his belief that Nigeria could win the AFCON.

"Nigeria have a good team with a lot of quality players, including Victor Osimhen, who is the Africa Player of the Year.

"It’s a team I know very well, and I believe they will go very far. I believe they can win it if they raise their games. They are now among the favourites."

The sentiments of the manager of the Djurtus manager would mirror those of many fans and stakeholders associated with the Super Eagles.

The three-time Cup of Nations champions have showcased defensive solidity but still need to demonstrate more in terms of their attacking.

Brown Ideye: Super Eagles Legend opens up on why Nigeria cannot win the AFCON in Ivory Coast

Football

Whether Peseiro’s team opts for an all-out offence against Cameroon or maintains a cautious defensive strategy observed throughout the competition remains to be seen.

Super Eagles defender reassures Nigerians

Sports Brief also previously reported on Super Eagles defender, Semi Ajayi expressing confidence in Nigeria leading up to their pivotal match against Cameroon.

The 30-year-old believes the team's goal drought is set to end, calling for support for the team's forwards and giving bold assurances that the goals would come.