Nigeria likely to win the 2023 AFCON – Sports statistician predicts
Sports statistician Mohammed Shaban has tipped Nigeria to secure victory in the ongoing 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
With the Super Eagles securing a spot in the quarter-finals and the elimination of formidable opponents like Senegal, Shaban believes Nigeria can pull off a surprise victory.
Nigeria's national football team, the Super Eagles, boasts a rich history in the Africa Cup of Nations, having been crowned champions three times, with their last triumph in 2013. The absence of decorated former winners such as Egypt and Cameroon, coupled with Senegal's elimination from the round of 16, has intensified speculation about who will ultimately lift the trophy.
“If you look at the current Nigeria setup, you’ll see Osimhen very determined and their top players, play together as a team, they are very confident. One of the most threatening teams is Senegal but they have been eliminated by Ivory Coast,” Shaban said in an interview with GSW.
The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations is the ongoing 34th edition of the biennial African Association Football tournament, hosted by Côte d'Ivoire and organized by the Confederation of African Football, kicked off on January 13 and is set to conclude on February 11, 2024.
“The history and facts speak in favour of Nigeria. They’re likely to pull a surprise. Currently, they have three titles, they have experience, and I’m very impressed with their performance. With the elimination of Senegal, it gives so much advantage to Nigeria," he added.
As fans, football enthusiasts and analysts eagerly anticipate the upcoming matches, all eyes will be on Nigeria to see if they can capitalize on the current tournament dynamics and secure their fourth Africa Cup of Nations title.
Shaban dismissed the notion that the choice of either a local or foreign coach influences a team's success, asserting, "Winning the trophy has nothing to do with the preference of a local or foreign coach. It is about someone who has the strength, competence, and capability to manage the team. Irrespective of where you are coming from, if you can deliver, that's what matters."
Shaban Mohammed is a Ghanaian sports journalist who doubles as a sports statistician for the sport in Africa.
