AFCON 2023: Super Eagles Star Discloses Secret Behind Nigeria’s Successful Outing at the Tournament

AFCON 2023: Super Eagles Star Discloses Secret Behind Nigeria’s Successful Outing at the Tournament

Raphael Abiola
updated at February 19, 2024 at 11:34 AM
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K. Omeruo
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  • Nigeria exceeded expectations by finishing second at the AFCON 2023 despite their disappointing start
  • The three-time African champions started the competition with a draw but fought their way to the final
  • One of the members of the Super Eagles squad has disclosed the secret behind the team's success

The Super Eagles of Nigeria were one of the best teams at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations as they finished second behind the host nation, Ivory Coast.

The three-time champions started the competition with a draw against Equatorial Guinea but won their concurrent games to the final.

They missed the chance to lift the title after losing 2-1 to Ivory Coast in the final.

Super Eagles finished second at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast. Photo: MB Media.
Super Eagles finished second at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast. Photo: MB Media.
Source: Getty Images

In an interview with Arise TV, as per Complete Sport, Nigerian defender Kenneth Omeruo singled out Stanley Nwabali and disclosed the secret behind the team's success in the competition despite a disappointing start.

"I am especially proud of Stanley Nwabali, how he was able to come into the team and show his qualities, because it is difficult when you come into a team that we're already used to one goalkeeper for a while, and he handled it properly," he said.
"The team believes in itself and knows it can perform better. I hoped that we would win gold at the 2023 AFCON; nonetheless, our eyes are on AFCON 2025."

The former Chelsea defender also shared his thoughts about winning the gold, silver, and bronze medals in the Africa Cup of Nations for the Super Eagles.

"I feel proud of what I have achieved; it wasn't easy; a lot of people will not take what I've taken playing for the national team," he added.
"It takes a lot of endurance, hard work, respect because there are issues where somethings happen that could make you be like 'you know what? I give up; I will just play for my club side', but I've been patient and working hard.
"Every manager that has come has always had faith in me. This is important for me, and I feel really proud to have achieved this; I hope one day I will show my kids and grandkids the trophies."

Omeruo provides update on his future

Sports Brief previously reported that Omeruo has provided an update regarding his with the Nigeria national team.

The former Leganes defender was among the long list of players rumoured to be retiring following the disappointing final defeat against Ivory Coast.

The Kasimpasa star has, however, cleared the air on his future with the Super Eagles going forward.

Authors
Raphael Abiola photo
Raphael Abiola
Raphael Abiola is a Nigerian Sports Journalist with over five years of experience. He obtained a B.Tech degree in Computer Science from the Federal University of Technology, Akure, in 2015.