As we edge closer and closer to the 2023 AFCON, the buzz for the biggest tournament in African football is growing, and naturally, the Nigeria national football team will be among those anticipating the big tournament.
The major headlines around the Super Eagles have been about the AFCON qualifiers 2023 and whether or not they will qualify for the massive tournament. At this very moment, the African giants look set to make it to the showpiece event that will be taking place next year.
The Super Eagles currently have nine points in Group A and sit at the top of the standings with two more AFCON 2023 Qualifiers fixtures left to play. Their next games will be an away fixture against Sierra Leone away and Sao Tome and Principe at home. These are two matches they will expect to win.
Assuming the Nigeria Super Eagles are able to navigate the waters and get to the AFCON 2023, they will be seen as one of the favorites to win the competition because of the quality they possess, especially in attack. They will need to do better than last tournament where they were sent packing by Tunisia.
🇹🇳 There’s been an upset at the AFCON with Tunisia (W1, L2) knocking out Nigeria (W3), the only side who came through the group stages with a 100% record. #AFCON2021 pic.twitter.com/N2ymWS1L7R
— FotMob (@FotMob) January 23, 2022
In this article, we will be highlighting what the Nigeria national football team must do to become challengers for the 2023 AFCON.
Build a cohesive unit
Under Jose Peserio, the Super Eagles have yet to find a settled squad. After a huge upset defeat that caused shockwaves in the Nigeria football news cycle was handed to them at home by Guinea-Bissau, the Portuguese manager was forced to make changes to his side.
This was an obvious sign that the team have yet to find its best eleven. This is not a good sign for the Super Eagles as AFCON 2023 draws nearer and time is not on their side at all.
The mission right now for the team must be to find the proper spine of the team and construct the rest of the players around that.
Building a stable unit will help the team develop a preferred style of play as they will have a foundation to build on. Familiarity on the international level is very important as these players do not see each other often.
Make Callups According to form
This is an issue that has long plagued the Super Eagles and is a concern for fans ahead of the 2023 African Cup of Nations. The country is blessed with players that have shown they have the goods and the ability to play for the Super Eagles if and when they are called up.
How did Ahmed Musa get a call up for the Super Eagles ahead of Gift Orban ?
— Ugbedeojo #MUFC (@Certifiedopeboi) March 23, 2023
There are some players who are waiting in the wings for a callup, while some others who have not shown the required form at club level to deserve a callup are still in the national team. On an international squad, all the players should be good enough to make strong contributions in order to create competition for places within the camp.
When the team has stronger competition and in form players called up, performances will also improve.
The road to becoming Champions of Africa is a long one and the Super Eagles know this. It has been 10 years since they have won the coveted trophy and will be desperate for their drought to end.
The big question lingers on: Will the Super Eagles live up to expectations at AFCON 2023? Fans can participate in the action and use the Betway sign up offer or 1xbet promo code to begin playing.
Fans can also stay updated with the live scores surrounding the Super Eagles as well as the NPFL.
This article was most recently revised and updated 2 years ago