“We can win AFCON” – 26-cap Super Eagles star tips Jose Peseiro’s men for glory in Cote d’Ivoire

The former African champions have not lifted the continental trophy in a decade and will look to end that barren run next year

Cardiff City defender Jamilu Collins is convinced that the Super Eagles have the resources to lift the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations trophy in Cote d’Ivoire next year, Soccernet.ng reports. 

Nigeria qualified for the next edition of the AFCON as the team with the best attack after scoring 22 goals – the highest of any team during the qualifying campaign.

Napoli striker Victor Osimhen also finished as the top goalscorer in the qualifiers with ten goals – five more than his closest challengers.

With the most valuable squad on the continent and some of the best forwards in Europe’s top five leagues, Nigeria will be among the favourites when the AFCON kicks off in January.

Collins was in the Super Eagles squad that failed to make it past the Round of 16 at the last edition in Cameroon.

And after returning to the national team fold over the past week following his lengthy layoff due to injury, Collins believes the Super Eagles have what it takes to be the African champions again.

“I strongly believe we can win the trophy in Cote d’Ivoire. We started well the last time in Cameroon, but unfortunately, we couldn’t go far,” Collins told Completesports. 

“Next year in Cote d’Ivoire, we want things to be better. We will be aiming for the trophy, and I strongly believe we can win it.

“It’s not going to be an easy task, but we will work hard to achieve our objective.”

Collins was on the bench as Nigeria defeated Sao Tome and Principe 6-0 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Sunday.

Tougher opponents await at the AFCON as most of the continent’s best teams have qualified for the championship. Senegal are the defending champions.