AFCON 2023: Nigeria’s Super Eagles Defender Expresses Confidence Ahead of Clash Against Cameroon

• The knockout rounds of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations will begin this weekend
• Nigeria's Super Eagles are set to clash with their West African rivals, Cameroon
• A Nigerian defender is confident heading into the crucial AFCON knockout game

The knockout stage of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) begins with an intense match on the horizon.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria are set to clash with their perennial rivals, the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon, at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny in Abidjan.

This highly anticipated fixture has sparked a lot of excitement among fans and stakeholders, especially considering the calibre of players on both teams and a longstanding rivalry that traces back to the 1960s.

However, ahead of the crunch fixture, a Nigerian defender has called for calm despite expressing optimism about the Eagles' capacity to secure a victory in the encounter.

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Super Eagles defender expresses optimism

In an interview with the media outlet, Brila.net, 30-year-old defender, Kenneth Omeruo conveyed the assurances of the team as they prepare to face Rigobert Song's side.

"Cameroon are a familiar opponent, a country we've encountered several times, a nation with formidable players. We are confident, focused, and putting in the work during training.

"As the fixture approaches, we believe in ourselves. After the last game, we told ourselves that regardless of the opponent, we stick to our game plan, give it our all, and we can overcome any team."

The confidence displayed by the Kasimpasa defender is well-founded, especially considering the fact that Cameroon are yet to secure a competitive victory over Nigeria since the AFCON final in 2000.

While it remains to see how the crunch fixture pans out and who reaches the last 8, it has to be said that it is poised to be one of the standout matches of the tournament.

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Sports Brief also previously reported on Jose Peseiro, Nigeria's coach, receiving an AFCON boost ahead of the Round of 16 clash against Cameroon.

Midfielder, Alhassan Yusuf, who had previously suffered an injury during the group-stage fixture against Equatorial Guinea, is said to be training.

The combative midfielder's return comes at a crucial time for the Super Eagles - just ahead of their physical tie against rivals, the Indomitable Lions.