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Former Nigerian football star Brown Ideye has expressed doubts about the Super Eagles' ability to clinch the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title.
According to Ideye, the current team, under the guidance of Portuguese coach Jose Peseiro, lacks the necessary cohesion and stability to triumph in the upcoming tournament.
Super Eagles' struggles under Peseiro
Jose Peseiro, who took the reins of the Super Eagles two years ago, has faced criticism for the team's performance.
Despite possessing a squad rich in talent, Peseiro's tenure has been marked by inconsistent results, both in home and away games. The team's shaky performances have raised concerns about their readiness for the high stakes of the AFCON tournament.
Ideye's skepticism despite strong squad
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Although Peseiro has summoned a formidable 25-man squad, making Nigeria one of the paper favorites, Ideye remains skeptical.
Speaking candidly in a Twitter space with journalist Tobi Adepoju, Ideye, a key player in Nigeria's 2013 AFCON victory, emphasized the team's shortcomings.
"We have good players in camp, but we don’t have a team. We are still building a team because we don’t have a team that can win the AFCON,” Ideye said.
He further added, “I don’t see this present Eagles winning this AFCON, It’s not possible. We are not ready, we don’t have what it takes.”
The former Super Eagles forward went ahead to offer some advice to the current bunch based on experience.
"They should convene in Ahmed Musa's room and engage with him and Kenneth Omeruo. Musa and Omeruo can enlighten them on how we conquered Africa in 2013 — the discipline, sacrifices, and collective effort we put in when everyone had written us off," he said.
Nigeria are in Group A alongside hosts Ivory Coast, Guinea-Bissau and Equatorial Guinea. The Super Eagles are aiming for a fourth AFCON title, last lifting the trophy in 2013.
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