The Super Eagles are scheduled to play Ivory Coast on Thursday, January 18, at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. Austine Jay Jay Okocha, a giant in Nigerian football, has voiced his constant faith in the team’s ability to win. Notwithstanding their inaugural match’s 1-1 tie with Equatorial Guinea, Okocha thinks the group has the skills and potential to defeat the host country.

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In a statement to CAFonline, Okocha outlined the key factors that he believes will play a crucial role in determining the outcome of the match. He emphasized the significance of experience, desire, and the players’ state of mind in facing such a challenging encounter.

“I think the key will be experience, desire, and state of mind. For me, they are professionals, and they know the importance of this match; I think their mindset will be the key,” Okocha stated.

Acknowledging the difficulty of facing the host country, Okocha highlighted the beauty of football, where winning against formidable opponents is a requisite for championship aspirations. He reiterated the importance of being well-prepared, emphasizing that every match is challenging but having faith in the Super Eagles’ potential to secure victory.

“Absolutely! Every match is difficult, but when you play the host country, it is even more difficult. But, of course, the beauty of football is that if you want to be champions, you have to win against the best,” Okocha added.

Expressing the belief in the team’s capabilities, Okocha concluded, “We Nigerians, we know that it will be a difficult match but also, we believe that we have enough potential to be able to win this match.”