Former Nigerian international and football legend Peter Rufai has called on the Super Eagles to prioritize developing a winning mentality if they want to triumph at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
While acknowledging the team’s talent, Rufai emphasized that technical ability alone won’t suffice. “In terms of quality players, yes we have it,” he conceded. “But that is not enough to win the tournament if the players doesn’t develop a winning mentality.”
Rufai urged the team to maintain focus and learn from their past mistakes, particularly their disappointing Round of 16 exit at the previous AFCON. “The team must not lose focus of their ambition at the tournament and I am sure they would have learnt from their mistakes at the previous AFCON, where the team crashed out in the round of 16,” he stated.
Expressing optimism about the team’s potential, Rufai declared, “This is a tournament the Super Eagles can win. All they need to do is to remain focus, play as a unit, approach each game like a cup final and I am sure we will be crowned champions at the end.”
Rufai’s call to action underscores the importance of mental fortitude and unwavering determination alongside technical skill for the Super Eagles to achieve continental glory. The team’s journey towards the 2023 AFCON title will be closely watched by Nigerian football fans and analysts alike, who share Rufai’s hope for a triumphant outcome.