Despite finishing second behind Equatorial Guinea in Group A of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, the Super Eagles remain determined in their quest for a fourth AFCON title. They exude confidence and express their willingness to face any team in the round of 16.
Midfielder Moses Simon, named Man of the Match in their hard-fought 1-0 victory against Guinea-Bissau, declared his willingness to accept any challenge on his path to glory.
“We’re not losing sleep knowing who we’re going to face next,” Simon confidently told reporters in Abidjan after the match. “We don’t have a preference; We have to be prepared for all the rivals if we want to win the title. Whatever team we draw, we are ready for them and everyone else.”
Senegal, Cameroon and Guinea are potential opponents for Nigeria, and their second-place finish in Group A sets the stage for an exciting showdown.
Although it is still unknown who will be his next opponent, Simon reflected on the match between Guinea-Bissau and acknowledged his difficulties.
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“It was a good win for us,” he said. “Leaving the group is a positive step. “It wasn’t easy, but we showed resilience and determination.”
A precise cross from Simón, deflected into the net by Opa Sangante just before the break, proved to be the decisive moment in a tense match.
José Peseiro’s side will now face the second-placed team from Group C in the round of 16 on Saturday, eager to continue their quest for a fourth AFCON title.