“Everyone wants to beat us”- Osayi-Samuel on expectations at 2023 AFCON

The Super Eagles will be looking to claim a fourth African crown, but Osayi-Samuel expects that they will meet stiff opposition

Super Eagles defender Bright Osayi-Samuel has admitted that he expects stiff opposition from Nigeria’s opponents at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, Soccernet reports.

Nigeria will be looking to claim a fourth African crown when they head to Ivory Coast next year to take on the rest of the continent.

The Super Eagles are one of favourites to win the trophy next year, albeit they have not won it since 2013. Also, they have not inspired much confidence under the tutelage of coach Jose Peseiro, as they have had to scrape out results on many occasions.

Nigeria are in Group A of the AFCON alongside hosts Cote D’Ivoire, Guinea Bissau, and Equatorial Guinea. On paper, only Cote d’Ivoire should pose a challenge for the Super Eagles.

However, Nigeria defender Osayi-Samuel does not believe so. He thinks the other teams would have extra motivation whenever they face Nigeria.

“I think every team is difficult,” Osayi-Samuel told Naija Football.

“We are playing in a tournament, so everybody will be looking to beat Nigeria because of the weight we bring and how big of a footballing nation we are and the team we have. So every game will be hard.”

The Super Eagles will begin their AFCON campaign on the 14th of January against Equatorial Guinea.