Nigeria captain Ahmed Musa has said that they are in Abidjan to redeem their battered image as well as to clinch the fourth AFCON title.
Musa, who is one of the two surviving players from the 2013 Stephen Keshi-led winning team said during a pre-match press conference that the Super Eagles have their eyes on the three points and have no apologies for their aspiration.
Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea will conclude the first matches of Group A of the 34th Africa Cup of Nations ongoing in Cote d’Ivoire when both nations clash at the brand-new Stade Alassane Ouattare in Ebimpe, outside Abidjan, on Sunday.
“It is always interesting to play in the Africa Cup of Nations. I was a champion in 2013, same as (defender Kenneth) Omeruo. However, the rest of the team want to have that feeling of what it means to win the Africa Cup of Nations. Everyone is geared towards making a statement.
“It is not going to be a picnic. The teams in our group, including Equatorial Guinea that we play tomorrow, are strong and ambitious as well. It is for us to go all out for the three points in each of our games, and then take it from there in the knock-out rounds. We will take it one match at a time.”
This year’s final tournament is Nigeria’s 20th appearance, having made her debut in 1963, and then appeared at the 1976, 1978, 1980, 1982, 1984, 1988, 1990, 1992, 1994, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2013, 2019 and 2021 finals.
However, Coach José Peseiro was bullish at the pre-match press conference. “I believe in my team. Every team has what you may call frail areas, but the important thing is for the players to play for one another. We are positive.”
He added: “It is a 90-minute affair, and it is always about who wants a win most. I have a group that has determination and discipline, flair, and steel, and we believe we can go all the way in this tournament.”
Equatorial Guinea’s senior national team is known as Nzalang Nationale (National Thunder), but Musa said the Super Eagles will fly above any thunder strikes or claps the neighbours-to-the-south may be planning for Sunday. “We are ready. This is a group that loves to compete, and we will give this match, and this competition generally, our very best.”