“He must be studied” – 1980 AFCON winner Segun Odegbami singles out top performer from Nigeria win against Cote d’Ivoire

The former national team captain is also positive that the Super Eagles can rule Africa for the fourth time

Segun Odegbami singled out Ola Aina as Nigeria’s stand-out performer against Cote d’Ivoire,  saying the defender ‘must be studied’.

The Nottingham Forest star put up an awe-inspiring performance as the Super Eagles silenced the Elephants 1-0 thanks to a second-half penalty from William Troost-Ekong.

For his brilliant showing, Aina – who was on parade from start to finish – made four tackles, two clearances, won six dues and was never dribbled past.

While addressing the team ahead of Monday’s Africa Cup of Nations fixture versus Guinea Bissau, Odegbami waxed lyrical about the 27-year-old.

“I believe that you are winning it.  I have not done this before; I am doing it because I believe it and I want you to believe it too. Not just believe by mouth, it’s the [belief] from inside – to go there now and start to play like champions because you are good,” he said as captured by NFF media.

“And confidently, you can play it [football] and I can see it. I saw one of the best and most masterful displays of the right-wing in Aina.

“That your last match, they should go and copy it and send it to every football school in the world who want to know how to play that position, look at how Aina played.

“He is masterful in determination and composure, you are just so absolutely brilliant and you can go on and on for all the players who are going to entertain us and who are going to win for us.”

Jose Peseiro’s men need a draw at least against Guinea-Bissau to progress to the Round of 16. Although the Shooting Stars legend knows it won’t be an easy feat, but is upbeat they ‘will win’.

He continued: “Look, I believe it. I am here to encourage you, to wish you well. I am going to watch you [against Guinea-Bissau] it’s going to be a tough match because that is how it is in our tradition.

“I don’t expect an easy match – but confidently, calmly, coolly take your time and do the things you know how to do best – under any circumstances, you will win.”

Goals from Umar Sadiq and Troost-Ekong handed Nigeria a 2-0 victory over Baciro Cande’s Djurtus when both teams met during the 2021 Afcon in Cameroon.