Former Nigerian football star, Austine Jay Jay Okocha has insisted that the Super Eagles have the potentials to beat the host nation, Ivory Coast in the ongoing 2023 Africa Cup of Nations on Thursday, January 18.
Nigeria were held to a 1-1 draw by Equatorial Guinea in their opening clash, while Cote d’Ivoire beat Guinea-Bissau 2-0.
But the former PSG star says that to be champion, the Super Eagles must be ready to beat the best.
“I think what the key will be experience, desire and state of mind. For me, they are professionals, and they know the importance of this match, I think their mindset will be the key,” Okocha told CAFonline.
“Absolutely! Every match is difficult but when you play the host country, it is even more difficult. But, of course the beauty of football is that if you want to be champions, you have to win against the best,” Okocha added.
“And as we know, in football, every match is difficult. If you are well prepared, you have a chance of winning your match. But, we Nigerians, we know that it will be a difficult match but also, we believe that we have enough potential to be able to win this match.”