Mikel Obi affirms Super Eagles as AFCON favorites, eyes fourth title

Former Nigeria captain, John Mikel Obi, has emphasized that the Super Eagles consistently enter the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) as one of the favorites to clinch the title, including the upcoming event in Ivory Coast.

Drawn in Group A alongside tournament hosts Ivory Coast, Equatorial Guinea, and Guinea-Bissau, the Eagles are anticipated to perform well and contend for the championship.

Mikel stated, “We are always favorites; this is every time we go into the tournament, and it’s no different this time. Everyone knows that we are one of the favorites – not the massive favorite but definitely one of the favorites.”

Nigeria aims for a fourth AFCON title, having previously won in 1980, 1994, and 2013 when Mikel was part of the team. The team also secured runner-up positions in 1984, 1988, 1990, and 2000.

“To be able to do it again will be a massive achievement for us, which I think the country needs right now as well. We need to get our football back where it should be, and by winning this tournament, it will take it back to where it should be,” Mikel expressed.

Reflecting on the evolution of football, Mikel acknowledged the changes and praised the current group of players as a good, young team with a different style of play. He expressed hope for a strong performance from the Nigerian team.

The Super Eagles kick off their campaign on January 14 against Equatorial Guinea, followed by a match against hosts Ivory Coast on January 18, reminiscent of the 2013 edition quarter-final where Nigeria triumphed 2-1. They conclude the group stage against Guinea-Bissau on January 22.