Share
By Johnny Edward
Former Nigeria captain and 1980 AFCON winner, Segun Odegbami, is confident that three-time African champions the Super Eagles can claim a fourth continental title at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.
The Eagles are joint leaders in Group A on four points after an opening 1-1 stalemate with Equatorial Guinea last Sunday and a hard-fought 1-0 triumph over hosts Ivory Coast on Thursday.
Odegbami reiterated his belief that the Eagles would emerge champions of the continent, and called on Nigerians to back the team massively.
Speaking on his radio programme on Eagle FM on Saturday morning, the one known as ‘The Mathematical’ in his playing days said, “I have unflagging confidence that this team will do it again. I have been saying it for some weeks now and the belief is getting stronger by the day.
“Some people have said that anytime we play or win Ivory Coast at the AFCON, we go all the way to the final, and even win it. That may be superstitious but there are facts in there.”
He added, “I am very much convinced that this is our year and I want Nigerians from high and low places to support the NFF in whichever way they can to motivate and galvanise the team. That win over Ivory Coast has strengthened my faith. It takes a champion team to beat the host nation with such self-belief, panache and calmness.”
Odegbami was top scorer of the 1980 finals hosted and won by Nigeria, in the process battling Ivory Coast to a scoreless draw in a group phase encounter.
He scored 23 goals for Nigeria in an international career that spanned seven years, during which he won the AFCON gold and two bronze medals and played at the 1980 Olympics.
He was voted third best player in Africa in 1980.
Also, President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Ibrahim Gusau, urged the Eagles to sustain their winning tempo when they take on Guinea-Bissau at the Stade Félix Houphouet-Boigny on Monday.
“I have no doubt in my mind that this victory has opened the door of success for not only the Super Eagles, but Nigerian football on a general level. The win has brought the needed confidence for us to build on, and achieve more successes.
“Defeating a host nation in a competition of this magnitude is no mean feat,” Gusau said.
Also, other Nigerians backed the team in their quest for a fourth AFCON title.
Maxwell Umahi, the Senior Special Assistant to the Ebonyi State Governor on Urban Development, said, “The players took the match as a cup final, outplayed the Ivorians in all departments and shunned the vociferous antics of the home fans.
“This was the way Nigeria played in the past, and we pray that there will be no relapse as they go on to win the title.”
Football agent, Marshal Mbre, added, “It was a great win which has brought back some hope to the country. I hope they maintain that spirit and go all the way to win the trophy.”
Ace journalist, Afolabi Gambari, said, “The Eagles have what it takes to win but they must be cautious to ensure we achieve our dreams of doing it again in Ivory Coast.”
A win over Guinea-Bissau should confirm Nigeria as group winners, barring the outcome of the Ivory Coast versus Equatorial Guinea clash same time at the Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara.
Guinea-Bissau, who defeated the Eagles in Abuja during the tournament qualifiers, are pointless and largely hopeless, but could be dangerous as they have nothing to lose on the day.