Skipper Joseph Yobo has assured that Nigeria will shine at the AFCON even though the Eagles have struggled in their preparations.
Yobo told MTNFootball.com in an exclusive interview from the team’s training base in Faro, Portugal, that it was worth highlighting the fact that the Eagles have not conceded a goal in their last two warm-up games.
The Eagles played out a goalless draw against Cape Verde and defeated Sparta Rotterdam 1-0 after they forced Catalonia to a 1-1 draw in Spain.
“We hear back here (in Portugal)that many Nigerians are beginning to have doubts over the team. There is no cause for alarm. The essence of these friendly games is to test players’ pairings, team formation and make corrections,” he said.
“Personally, I think we have achieved a lot already because the team is bonding real fast.
“Remember we have not lost a game from our last three friendlies and we won the last one. We have like eight days before our first game and I think that is enough time for us to put finishing touches to our preparation.”
He therefore said the team’s dream to win a third AFCON crown is still very much intact.
“I think everything is possible by the grace of God. I have been opportuned to be at the last five AFCONs and we only missed out at the last one due to luck or our mistake which ever one you want to call it,” he said.
“But you know you can’t predict what is going to happen in a football game, that is why we have been playing friendly matches. There may be surprises at the Nations Cup, but I believe that if we pull through from the group, we will go all the way to the final.”
Nigeria play their final test game against Portuguese second division side Farense today before they depart for South Africa tomorrow.
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