Nigerian football legend, Nwankwo Kanu, has stated that the Super Eagles will win the 2023 CAF African Cup of Nations.
Kanu, a two-time African Footballer of the Year in 1996 and 1999, said in a video posted on his X account on Wednesday.
In the video, he insisted that the Nigerian football team, which is slated for a semi-final showpiece against the Bafana Bafana of South Africa on Wednesday (today), will advance to the final and win the tourney.
The Arsenal legend, popularly called ‘Papilo’ said, “I told you from the beginning, from the first game – believe, trust.
“The boys have done us proud. Semifinals, here we come. I told you we are going to be in the finals and we are going to win this tournament. Pray for them, support them, and wish them the best of luck.”
The nation’s football legend urged Coach Jose Peseiro’s charges to bring back home the trophy which was last won in 2019.
“This is our cup. It’s coming back home. Come on Super Eagles! Come on, You can do this! It is remaining only two games, history to be made,” he said.
Wednesday’s semi-final match will be played at the Stade de la Paix in Bouake.
This marks the fourth tournament meeting between Nigeria and South Africa, with the Eagles winning the previous three games.
Kick-off time is 6 p.m. Nigerian time.
Nigeria defeated Cameroon 2-0 in the round of 16 stage.
Afterwards, the team beat Angola by a lone goal in the quarterfinals, before advancing to the semi-finals.
The Bafana Bafana boys won 2-0 in their round of 16 match against last year’s World Cup semi-finalist, Morocco, before winning 2-1 in a penalty shootout against Cape Verde.
South African defender, Neil Tovey, who captained the 1996 title-winning team, told AFP in a telephone interview from the South African port city of Durban that the match against Nigeria will be tough.
He said, “It is going to be very tough against Nigeria – a final before the final.”
