AFCON 2023: Kenneth Omeruo backs Super Eagles to replicate 2013 continental success

Kenneth Omeruo played every minute of the AFCON 2013 tournament hosted in South Africa as the Super Eagles went on to win the trophy under the tutelage of Stephen Keshi.

Super Eagles and Kasımpaşa central defender, Kenneth Omeruo, has backed the Nigerian football team to go all the way to win the AFCON 2023 tournament, Soccernet.ng reports.

Omeruo, 30, was an integral part of the Super Eagles squad that won the AFCON 2013 tournament in South African, partnering Godfrey Oboabana at the heart of the Nigerian defence, with Vincent Enyeama in goal.

The former Chelsea defender came on to replace Zaidu Sanusi in the final ten minutes of the game against Cameroon and was pleased with the performance of the team as they qualified for the AFCON 2023 quarter final.

“It’s a very important victory because we knew if we didn’t win, we’d leave, but then Kudos to the coach as well. We stayed in shape and followed our game plan, corrected some lapses from the last game and we were able to add another goal to the lead,” the former Leganese defender told Soccernet.ng in his post match interview.

Jose Peseiro’s men have been drawn against Angola in the quarter finals of the AFCON 2023 tournament in Ivory Coast, and Omeruo is confident the Super Eagles can get past them.

“I don’t know much about them, but I think we have enough time to watch them and analyse their game individually. We have six days to prepare for this game and we have to do better,” he added.

Quizzed on his stance if he believes the team can replicate the success of the 2013 AFCON winning side, Omeruo said; “We’re definitely on track.”

Nigeria will face the Palancas Negras of Angola on the 2nd of February as they look to win their fourth AFCON title.