Joe Aribo is hoping the Super Eagles can go all the way as they chase a fourth continental crown in the ongoing tournament in Cameroon.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria are through to the Round of 16 of the Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon. Against all expectations, the Super Eagles are soaring in Cameroon, much to the delight of the fans. Asides from the results that has seen Nigeria beat the mighty Pharaohs of Egypt 1-0 and Sudan 3-1, their performances have been heartwarming.
While the team will not want to get ahead of itself, their performance has had many dreaming of a possible fourth AFCON title. It is not impossible to win the AFCON, but they have many hurdles to be surmounted. Regardless, the team is on the right track.
Super Eagles midfielder Jo Aribo has stated the team’s desire at the ongoing tournament. The Rangers player said that the Super Eagles are only interested in winning all their games at the tournament.
AFCON title, Nigeria’s target
Before the Africa Cup of Nations started, the names on everyone’s lips were Egypt, hosts Cameroon, defending champions Algeria, Senegal and the Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire. Nobody gave the Super Eagles much of a chance in winning the title. They have confounded many by dragging themselves into the conversation with a famous win over Egypt in its opening match and a dominant victory over Sudan.
The Super Eagles have become one of the favourites to win AFCON, but Jo Aribo is not getting too excited and continues to play safe on the team’s chances of winning the tournament. In a recent interview, the midfielder said the Super Eagles want to win their matches in Cameroon.
Despite a new survey suggesting Nigeria as one of the favourites to win the Africa Cup of Nations, Aribo has poured cold water on the expectations saying that the team was taking it one game at a time. He told Brila TV that the Super Eagles want to win every game they play at the tournament.
Controversies and wasted chances
The Super Eagles arrived in Cameroon amid a rash of controversies and drama. There was the announcement of Jose Peseiro as the new manager while Augustine Eguavoen was just a few days into the role as interim coach.
The drama continued with the refusal of some clubs to release some of the invited players. Victor Osimhen tops the list. Watford striker Emmanuel Dennis and Al-Shabab forward Odion Ighalo failed to join the team.
All the drama put a cloud over the Super Eagles chances in Cameroon. They have soared over those challenges and show they are up to the task.
Aribo looked back at their performances against Egypt and Sudan and expressed disappointment in his inability to get on the scoring act. He hopes the team can keep winning and the momentum going.
Aribo, however, confessed that the team missed several chances. Against Sudan, the Rangers star came close to getting his name on the scoresheet but failed to beat the goalkeeper.
Nigeria have already qualified, and no matter what happens, will likely finish as group leaders. Nigeria concludes their group stage campaign with a game against Guinea-Bissau on Wednesday.
This article was most recently revised and updated 3 years ago