Former Nigerian international Emmanuel Amunike said he is optimistic that the ‘promising young team’ in the Super Eagles of Nigeria can win the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast.

The Super Eagles boast of superstars like Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, Bayer Leverkusen’s Victor Boniface, OGC Nice’s Terem Moffi, Fulham’s Alex Iwobi and AC Milan’s Samuel Chukwueze.

Like Amunike, many Nigerians are full of expectations for their team into the 2023 AFCON which starts next month.

Nigeria are in Group A with Ivory Coast, Guinea Bissau and Equatorial Guinea. They are one of the tournament’s favourites.

Amid the expectations for the Super Eagles to win their first AFCON trophy since 2013, Amunike believes there may be one or two surprises to come out of the tournament.

Amunike who also spoke on the Super Eagles coaching staff led by Jose Peseiro has also said Nigerian supporters can be excited about the young players on the verge of breaking through.

“I think we have young promises that we have been able to develop from youth level. I think this is a really positive aspect regarding Nigerian football,” he told Tribalfootball.com.

“It is that we have seen these young players develop from the youngest age through now to playing in the first team. But still, we know football success does not come only from this.

“You have to get better also in other aspects. I can say for sure we have a promising young team. But we have to give them and create for them all the opportunities necessary to express themselves as best as they can.

“For some time now, we have been introducing a new generation of players and we need to have some patience so they can get better.”
[ad unit=2]