2023 AFCON: NO MORE MINNOWS IN AFRICAN FOOTBALL, ESIN WARNS SUPER EAGLES

December 14, 2023

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The Super Eagles have been warned by former Nigerian international Etim Esin that there are no longer any minnows in football ahead of the 2023 African Cup of Nations.

He stated this on the backdrops of Nigeria’s failure to beat Lesotho and Zimbabwe in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Recall that the Super Eagles played out a 1-1 draw against Lesotho at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo before holding Zimbabwe in another draw.

However, Esin advised the Super Eagles not to underestimate any opponent as the forthcoming 2023 AFCON draws nearer.

“Football has gone beyond just counting the points without doing the needful on the field of play. The mistakes we made against Lesotho and Zimbabwe where Nigeria managed just two points from two games must not repeat itself again.

“On paper, we had a complete team capable of beating Lesotho and Zimbabwe but we failed to get the needed results.

“I am sure the players would have learnt from these two games ahead of the 2023 African Cup of Nations where the team will face Ivory Coast, Guinea-Bissau and Equatorial Guinea.

“Again, on paper, Nigeria and host, Ivory Coast are favourites but if they underestimate Guinea-Bissau and Equatorial Guinea, then, the unexpected may happen.”