SPORTS
2023 AFCON: Super Eagles among favorites to win title – Mikel
Former Nigeria captain, John Mikel Obi has listed the Super Eagles among the favourites to win the title at the upcoming 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON.
Jose Peseiro’s men will be gunning for a fourth crown in Cote d’Ivoire.
The West Africans are drawn in Group A with hosts Cote d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea and Guinea-Bissau.
Mikel believes the Super Eagles can challenge for the title at the competition.
“We are always favourites, this is every time we go into the tournament and it’s no different this time,” the former Chelsea midfielder told CAFonline.
“Everyone knows that we are one of the favourites – not the massive favourite but definitely one of the favourites.”
The Super Eagles will kick-off their campaign on January 14 against Equatorial Guinea before facing the hosts four days later in what will be a repeat of the 2013 edition quarter-final that saw them overcome Cote d’Ivoire 2-1.
They conclude the Group A campaign with a tie against Guinea-Bissau on January 22.
Arsenal midfielder, Thomas Partey is set to make a return from injury by the end of January.
Partey has made good progress in his rehabilitation work and will hand the Gunners a timely boost.
The Ghanaian has been plagued with different injuries throughout his time in England and picked up a groin problem at the beginning of the season.
He briefly returned to action in October, but picked up another long-term muscular injury.
Partey was then left out of Ghana’s final squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
However, The Mirror reports that the 30-year-old has shown progress in his rehabilitation work and could return to the first team ahead of their Premier League clash against Nottingham Forest on January 30.
Chelsea’s stance on sacking their manager, Mauricio Pochettino has been revealed.
Pochettino is under significant pressure as head coach at Stamford Bridge due to the club’s not too impressive display this season.
The Argentine recently watched as Middlesbrough defeated the Blues 1-0 in the Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg tie.
His team currently sit in the 10th position on the Premier League table after 20 games this season.
However, according to The Telegraph, Pochettino’s job is safe for now despite their latest defeat to Middlesbrough.
The report added that his position at the west London club is not in jeopardy while Chelsea have a ‘realistic chance’ of qualifying for Europe.
Super Eagles head coach, Jose Peseiro has said his side can’t use the difficult weather condition in Abidjan as an excuse ahead of their opening game at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
The West Africans arrived Abidjan in buoyant mood on Wednesday morning despite losing 2-0 to Guinea in a friendly two days earlier.
The Eagles had a light training session after setting down at their base, the magnificent Pullman Hotel.
Peseiro stated that his team must focus on the task ahead and not allow any form of distraction.
“We cannot give excuses about the weather; we need to put in our focus, adapt well and do our best ahead of the first match, which is very important for us,” he told NFF TV.
The Super Eagles will open their campaign at the 2023 AFCON finals against Equatorial Guinea on Sunday.
They will also face hosts, Cote d’Ivoire and Guinea-Bissau in the group stage.
-
BUSINESS4 months agoBlack Market Dollar To Naira Exchange Rate Today 6th January 2024
-
BUSINESS4 months agoBlack Market Dollar To Naira Exchange Rate Today 5th January 2024
-
ENTERTAINMENT4 months ago‘She Got To My House, And I Accepted Her Wholly’ – Yemi My Lover Speaks On Relationship With Tope Alabi
-
GIST4 months agoPolice confirm abduction of 10 persons in Jalingo, Taraba State capital
-
GIST4 months agoBoko Haram kills 5 in Yobe
-
GIST4 months agoKwara: FRSC recorded reduced road traffic crashes in 2023 – Sector Commander
-
GIST4 months agoOver 240 people missing after Japan earthquake
-
GIST4 months agoFake doctor arrested for organ trafficking, N21m fraud in Nasarawa