Super Eagles Assistant Coach, George Finidi, has assured Nigerians of the team’s chances of securing a medal at the upcoming African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast in 2024, News About Nigeria reports.
The last time Nigeria clinched the AFCON title was in 2013, under the guidance of the late coach Stephen Keshi, who led the Super Eagles to victory in South Africa.
Since the triumphant moment, Nigeria’s performance in subsequent AFCON editions has been less rewarding. The team failed to qualify for the 2017 edition and secured a bronze medal at the 2019 tournament in Egypt.
The last AFCON in Cameroon witnessed a disappointing exit for the Eagles in the round of 16 under the leadership of Coach Austin Eguavoen.
Despite these challenges, the Super Eagles have secured their place in the 2024 edition of the AFCON. Finidi sees this qualification as an opportunity for redemption and believes that Nigeria can perform admirably in Cote d’Ivoire.
Recall that the Super Eagles recently outshined Sao Tome and Principe in a 6-0 victory at the Goodswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, on Sunday, serving as a boost to the Eagles, going into the tournament.
While acknowledging the high aspirations of every country participating in AFCON, Finidi emphasizes the importance of a strong start and building confidence throughout the tournament.
He said, “We aim to win it, but you never know what can happen. We’ll go there with the mindset to win it. The first mission for the AFCON is to win it.”
Finidi himself has a storied history with Nigerian football, having been part of the 1994 Super Eagles squad that secured the African title in Tunisia, as well as the Dream Team that clinched the Olympics Gold at Atlanta ’96, defeating Argentina in the final.
