Super Eagles news – AFCON 2023

Super Eagles news – AFCON 2023
Credit: Icon Sport

Welcome to our live reporting hub for the latest Super Eagles news, specifically focusing on the highly anticipated AFCON 2023.

As football enthusiasts eagerly await the tournament, we are committed to providing you with real-time updates and insights into the Super Eagles' journey.

Stay tuned for a dynamic and engaging overview of the team's preparations, player developments, and all the Super Eagles news surrounding Nigeria's campaign in the African Cup of Nations 2024.

Super Eagles news: Peseiro lauds Lookman and Chukwueze's tactical brilliance in the team's triumph

Super Eagles news
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Super Eagles head coach, Jose Peseiro, showered praise on Ademola Lookman and Samuel Chukwueze for their instrumental roles in the hard-fought 1-0 victory against Cote d’Ivoire.

In a post-match press conference, Peseiro acknowledged the strategic brilliance of his players, stating,

“We have a strategy on how we wanted to play the game against Cote d’Ivoire. I must praise the players for making it work.”

He highlighted the exceptional contributions of Lookman and Chukwueze, emphasizing their commitment to both attack and defense.

Peseiro commended the duo for their sacrifices and hard work, particularly in supporting the defense, which played a crucial role in securing the Super Eagles' victory.

Super Eagles secures vital 1-0 victory over Ivory Coast in AFCON group A showdown

Super Eagles players celebrating
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In a crucial Group A encounter at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, Nigeria secured a significant 1-0 victory over hosts Ivory Coast, propelling themselves towards the last 16.

The defining moment of the match unfolded in the 55th minute when Ousmane Diomande fouled Victor Osimhen in the box, leading to a penalty.

William Troost-Ekong capitalized on the opportunity, confidently blasting the ball into the net from the penalty spot.

Despite the fervent support from the home crowd, the Ivorians struggled to break through the solid defense of the Super Eagles, failing to create clear chances.

With this win, the Super Eagles surpasses the Elephants to claim the second spot in Group A, trailing behind leaders Equatorial Guinea on goal difference.

Nigeria's four points may already position the three-time winners favorably for advancement, with their final Group A fixture against Guinea-Bissau on the horizon.

Super Eagles news: Peseiro confirms Yusuf Alhassan unavailable for Ivory Coast clash

yusuf alhassan
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In the pre-match press conference leading up to the Super Eagles' highly anticipated game against Ivory Coast, coach Peseiro provided an update on Yusuf Alhassan's status.

The Royal Antwerp player, while fit, is deemed not ready for the imminent match.

Peseiro conveyed this information with transparency, stating, “For tomorrow’s match, Yusuf is not going to be available.”

The announcement sheds light on the strategic decisions and considerations the Super Eagles' coaching staff is making as they navigate the challenges of the AFCON tournament.

Super Eagles coach anticipates tough battle against Ivory Coast in AFCON clash

Super Eagles head coach
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As the Super Eagles of Nigeria gear up for their second game in AFCON 2023 against Ivory Coast, the team's coach addressed the press, shedding light on the atmosphere within the camp and their prospects against the formidable Elephants.

Expressing the challenging nature of the upcoming match, the head coach emphasized the difficulty posed by a highly skilled opponent.

Jose Peseiro acknowledged the weight of expectations from fans, anticipating a full stadium, and stressed the importance of delivering a stellar performance to secure victory.

The coach's remarks reflect the team's focus and determination as they prepare for a crucial showdown against Ivory Coast in their quest for success in the tournament.

Super Eagles salvage draw against Equatorial Guinea in AFCON opener

Ogochukwu Frank Onyeka of Nigeria wins header against Esteban Orozco
Credit: Icon Sport

The Super Eagles showcased resilience in their opening fixture of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), securing a 1-1 draw against Equatorial Guinea.

Victor Osimhen's quick-fire equalizer proved crucial in sparing Nigeria from a potential shock defeat.

With this result, the Super Eagles now face a challenging task in their upcoming match against Ivory Coast.

Equatorial Guinea, on the other hand, will look to secure their first win of the tournament when they face Guinea Bissau.

The stage is set for the Super Eagles to intensify their efforts as the AFCON competition unfolds.

Super Eagles news: AFCON 2023 campaign final squad

Super Eagles players
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The anticipation for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations has reached a crescendo as the Super Eagles of Nigeria officially revealed their final squad for the upcoming tournament in Ivory Coast.

Head coach Jose Peseiro, entrusted with the task of leading the Nigerian contingent, has meticulously curated a roster poised to navigate the challenges in Group A.

Final squad list

Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabili (Chippa United, South Africa); Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC, Cyprus); Olorunleke Ojo (Enyimba FC)

Defenders: Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England); Chidozie Awaziem (Boavista FC, Portugal); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce FC, Turkey); William Troost-Ekong (PAOK Salonika, Greece); Bruno Onyemaechi (Boavista FC, Portugal); Kenneth Omeruo (Kasimpasa FC, Turkey); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion, England); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal)

Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Joe Ayodele-Aribo (Southampton FC, England); Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England); Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England)

Forwards: Ahmed Musa (Sivasspor K, Turkey); Victor Osimhen (Napoli SC, Italy); Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City, England); Sadiq Umar (Real Sociedad, Spain); Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France); Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC, Italy); Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy); Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany)

Super Eagles news: Friendlies and United Arab Emirates camping

Super Eagles
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In the lead-up to the highly anticipated AFCON, the Super Eagles are gearing up with strategic preparations, including two crucial friendly matches.

Scheduled to face Burkina Faso and Cape Verde in January, these fixtures will serve as vital tune-ups for the Nigerian squad ahead of the continental tournament.

Additionally, the Super Eagles camp has opened on 2 January 2024 as Peseiro's side gear towards the continental showdown in Ivory Coast.

This strategic preparation, featuring high-stakes friendlies and intensive training sessions, reflects the team's commitment to peak performance as they aim for success in the upcoming AFCON.

Super Eagles news: Nigeria holds strong at 42nd in latest FIFA rankings

Super Eagles news - AFCON 2023
Credit: Icon Sport

In the recently unveiled FIFA Rankings for December 2023, the Super Eagles of Nigeria have maintained their position at 42nd in the world.

The latest rankings, released on Thursday, December 21, 2023, also place Nigeria as the sixth-best team in Africa.

Notably, the Super Eagles' ranking remained consistent, maintaining the same position as in the previous November rankings.

Super Eagles news: The team have arrived Ivory Coast and undertaken first training session

The Nigerian squad arrived Ivory Coast on Wednesday, 10 January with so much excitement as players and coaching crew adorned themselves with traditional attires that fully represented the country's famous green and white colours.

After settling down in the team's hotel, on Thursday they had their first training session in Abidjan ahead of their opening game on Sunday.

Super Eagles news: Umar Sadiq has been ruled out of AFCON 2023

In an unfortunate turn of events, Super Eagles and Real Sociedad forward Umar Sadiq has been ruled out of the tournament after suffering and injury setback in training for Nigeria.

This recent injury comes as a big blow to Peseiro and his team after losing Victor Boniface in similar fashion days ago. Sadiq is expected to be sidelined for three weeks.

 

Super Eagles group

The Super Eagles of Nigeria were paired in Group A for the upcoming 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Alongside Guinea-Bissau, Equatorial Guinea, and hosts Ivory Coast, Nigeria is poised for a thrilling journey in this prestigious continental tournament.

The Super Eagles will face off against their group rivals in the vibrant city of Abidjan, where all three of their group-stage matches are scheduled to take place.

The action kicks off on January 14 at 3 pm, with Nigeria set to clash with Equatorial Guinea in what promises to be an exhilarating opening encounter.

This article was most recently revised and updated 9 months ago

Rababe Koussaimi, a 22-year-old journalist, is deeply passionate about the world of sports. She grew up in a footballing environment, supporting both Bayern Munich and Wydad Athletic Club. She began her English journalism career by hosting a podcast for the first English radio station in Morocco. Currently, the Moroccan journalist channels her enthusiasm into writing and conducting extensive research, creating insightful and engaging content for GoalBall Live readers.