‘We must win’ – Stanley Nwabali speaks ahead of Nigeria’s clash with AFCON 2023 host Cote d’Ivoire

Stanley Nwabali made his debut for the Super Eagles in their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations clash against Equatorial Guinea

Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali insists on a must-win approach for their upcoming 2023 Africa Cup of Nations clash against Cote d’Ivoire, as reported by Soccernet.ng.

With the Super Eagles facing concerns about their recent performances and having won just one of their last four games, Nwabali, who made his debut in the 1-1 draw against Equatorial Guinea, expressed disappointment about conceding in his first appearance.

In an interview witnessed by Soccernet.ng, Nwabali emphasized the importance of winning the anticipated tie against Cote d’Ivoire, stating, “[The game against Equatorial Guinea] is not really good for me today. I know what I can do. To be honest, I know what I can do. But despite [that, the] 1-1 draw [is] not really good for me.”

Watch the video here:

d’Ivoire currently leads Group A with three points after defeating Guinea-Bissau in the opening game of the AFCON 2023 tournament.

Nwabali acknowledged that the upcoming match against the AFCON host would be challenging but stressed that winning is imperative.

“We must win, definitely we must win. I know the next game will be tough, but we must win,” he added.

The Super Eagles, guided by the “Let’s do it again” mantra, are determined to replicate their AFCON 2013 victory and secure their fourth AFCON trophy.

When asked if the team can still “do it again” after the disappointing 1-1 draw against Equatorial Guinea, Nwabali confidently responded, “Definitely.”

Nigeria is set to face Côte d’Ivoire on Thursday, January 18, with the aim of securing all three points in the crucial AFCON clash.