It’s time Nigeria returned to AFCON
Nigeria’s players: (From back left) goalkeeper Francis Uzoho, defender Kenneth Omeruo, defender Leon Balogun, defender William Troost-Ekong, midfielder Onyinye Ndidi, midfielder John Obi Mikel, forward Kelechi Iheanacho, forward Ahmed Musa, defender Brian Idowu, forward Victor Moses and midfielder Oghenekaro Etebo pose before the Russia 2018 World Cup Group D football match between Nigeria and Iceland at the Volgograd Arena in Volgograd on June 22, 2018. / AFP PHOTO / Mark RALSTON
Nigeria has finally made it to the AFCON qualifiers. This has been the news that has made the sports industry in Nigeria very proud. The Nigerian team has been showing tremendous progress in the recent past, and this recent success is just one instance when the team has managed to pull past the finish line.
The Nigeria team was able to beat Seychelles 3-0 in an international friendly. They stunned everyone on the September 8. Ahmed Musa who plays for Riyadh-based Al Nassr FC scored the first goal within the first 15 minutes. It’s what had a good many football betting fans jump in joy, as Nigeria pulled off a great upset over Seychelles. To be fair, the Nigerian team has looked strong. While it couldn’t get past through the qualifier stage in the World Cup due to some hard luck, it is no secret that they have a spirited team who likes to take on new challenges.
Consequently, in the same first half, the second goal by Chidozie Awaziem increased their tally. He plays for FC Porto, Portugal.
Odion Ighalo sealed their winning with a converted penalty. Currently, he is plying for his trade with the Chinese Super League, with Chachung Yatai.
Their next game will be against Libya in October. The Libya Football Federation has confirmed that the first leg will take place in their home ground. The second leg will be held in Algeria although the venue has not yet been confirmed.
The Nigerian Football Federation recently just announced that the upcoming AFCON cup qualifier will be held in Ahmadu Bello Stadium. According to the NFF, the Ahmadu Bello Stadium is the best stadium for the Super Eagles to win against Libya.
The doubleheader will determine which team will qualify which team will progress from the group.
The Super Eagles are currently in third place with three points. They are behind Libya with five points and South Africa with four.
The team is determined to reach the finals of the AFCON cup. Oghenekaro Etebo who is a midfielder for the Super Eagles and Stoke city has underlined the importance of winning.
The Super Eagles are dubbed as one of the best football teams in Africa. They were one of the few teams who were part of the Russia FIFA world cup representing Africa. However, it is sad that Nigeria has not topped the AFCON cup since 2013. They have the itch to qualify to Cameroon next year.
Former Nigeria International Bright Omakaro urged that the team should put in more effort. This is especially in their forthcoming matches. He insisted that the squad which was part of the FIFA world cup should be featured in the qualifying matches.
The only true test will be between Libya and South Africa. In the second group fixture, Libya played South Africa in a 0-0 draw. However, Libya thrashed Seychelles with a 5-1 victory in the same group fixtures. The Nigerian team have a large task ahead of them.
