AFCON 2021: Can The Super Eagles Make It Four?

The 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is finally set for kickoff after weeks and months of counting down.

The 33rd edition of the continent’s biggest football showpiece is unique in many ways especially as it takes the 24-team format for only the second time, and getting back its orthodox months of January and February, from June-July.

While fans across the world are eagerly awaiting to see the array of stars that would be on parade in Cameroon, they would also want to know what Nigeria will pull off after sacking trainer – Gernot Rohr, on the eve of the jamboree.

Indeed, there is so much to look forward in the 2021 AFCON, from the youthful Nigeria Super Eagles hoping to reach out for afourth AFCON triumph.

The next 24 days will be exciting hopefully and Africa will proudly showcase its mastery of the round leather game.

For starters, Nigeria is a patchwork of distinctive regions, including deserts, plains, swamps, mountains, and steamy jungles. It has one of the largest river systems in the world, including the Niger Delta, the third largest delta on Earth.

In all these, the country is credited for the birth of some elite athletes. The country estimated to be 213 million is the closest to hosts Cameroon, and will look to flood fans in when the tournament commences.

The AFCON 2021 will be Nigeria’s 19th in 33 tourneys in total, since the initials in 1957.

The Super Eagles have recorded 8 third place finishes, been runners up 4 times, and ultimately crowned champions 3 times.

Years the Super Eagles mounted on the podium;

Ethiopia 1976 – third place
Ghana 1978 – third place
Hosts (Nigeria) 1980 – Champions

Cote D’Ivoire 1984 – Runners – up

Morocco 1988 – Runners up

Algeria 1990 – Runners up

Senegal 1992 – third place

Tunisia 1994 – Champions

Ghana/Nigeria 2000 – Runners up

Mali 2002- Third place

Tunisia 2004 – Third place

Egypt 2006 – Third place

Angola 2010 – third place

South Africa 2013 – Champions

Egypt 2019 – Third place

Years Nigeria Emerged Champions #1 1980

Flashback to 41 years when Nigeria lifted her very first Africa Cup of Nations. Then known as the Green Eagles, Nigeria, led by Christian Chukwu on March 22nd defeated Algeria 3-0 in Lagos to lift the trophy.

Thousands packed the National Stadium in Surelere, Lagos, to watch them win the Holy Grail under Brazilian coach Otto Gloria. Nigeria had to go through Tanzania, Ivory Coast, Egypt, Morocco and Algeria. The Eagles scored 8 goals in 5 games played.

The Nigeria national football squad at Tunisia 1994 Africa Cup of Nations Cup (AFCON) tournament paraded some notable names that made the squad a fearsome proposition and are arguably the best Eagles squad in the nation’s footballing history.

The team went into the 1994 AFCON tournament as one of the three favourites for the title, which they ended up winning.

That was after their first triumph in 1980.

Though hampered by the baggage of emerging as runners-up in I984 and 88, coach Clemence Westerhof was determined to end Nigeria’s long search for her second AFCON title and it was a perfect timing.

Grouped alongside Egypt and Gabon in group B, the golden generation approached the competition with caution, but the team began their campaign on a bright note as they dismissed Gabon 3-0 in the opener with two goals coming from the late Rashidi Yekini and Mutiu Adepoju.

Their second game was a goalless draw against Egypt to book a place in the knockout stages.

Zaire were not an easy opponent in the second round but Yekini’s brace took Nigeria into the semi-final to face arch-rivals, Ivory Coast.

In what was a pulsating encounter that swung back and forth, the Eagles triumphed on penalties after the 90 minutes and extra time ended 2-2.

Then came Zambia. It turned to one country against the world as Zambia earned the sympathy of the football’s global family after its first team perished on the coast of Gabon during World Cup qualifiers.

The Chipolopolo drew first blood through Elijah Litana but like a rejected stone turned the corner piece of the building, Emmanuel Amuneke scored twice to ensure Nigeria smiled home with the trophy.

In 2013, Nigeria added a third star on their kit. Sunday Mba scored a magnificent winner as Nigeria won the trophy.

The dominant Super Eagles made the breakthrough just before half-time when Mba clipped the ball over Mohamed Koffi and then volleyed into the far corner.

It was a perfect shoe of tactical intelligence by Stephen Keshi, the man who was show – named ‘the boss,’ now of blessed memory.

Coach

Gernot Rohr was sacked four days ago by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

The NFF appointed its Technical Director, Augustine Eguavoen, to take charge of the team on an interim basis.

Eguavoen is set to work with Salisu Yusuf, Paul Aigbogun, Joseph Yobo, Dr Terry Eguaoje and Aloysius Agu.

Augustine Eguavoen began his managing career as the coach of Sliema Wanderers in Malta, he was given the job for the 2000–01 season.

In June 2010, the Nigeria Football Federation asked Augustine Eguavoen to replace Lars Lagerbäck temporary, he was however appointed as the head coach of the Nigeria national under-23 football team in August 2010.

Eguavoen has a unique style and is grossly in love with the 4-3-3 formation.

Despite being struck with some injury worries, the Super Eagles have still got a lot to make it through their group, and why not?, win her fourth AFCON.

Alex Iwobi

Former Gunner Alex Iwobi has not had the best stay with the toffees so far in the premier league, but remains of great value to the Super Eagles. His runs from midfeild and an eye for a decisive pass could be of utmost importance for the Eagles.

Kelechi Iheanacho

Leicester winger Kelechi Iheanacho is one of the more technically gifted players in the roster for the super Eagles. He started the season brightly with parent club Leicester, before eventually losing his place, owing to Madison’s return from injury, and a tweak in Brendan Rodger’s formation. Iheanacho has scored 10 times in 34 senior appearances for Nigeria.

Ahmed Musa

Skipper, Ahmed Musa – is still very reliable. Despite his age on paper (29), he still has the legs to drive past teens. Musa is the only survivor in that squad that won the 2013 AFCON, and will look to gift his country the fourth.

2019 AFCON revelation and Villarreal winger, Samuel Chukwueze has returned from injury with an extra pep in his step. The 22-year-old is a handful for any defender on his day, and most times, he could shoulder the responsibility of coming up with the end product.

Joe Aribo

Joe Aribo of Rangers, Scotland, hasn’t been ‘forever’ with the Super Eagles but from his very first game under former gaffer Gernot Rohr, he seemed to have stolen the heart of fans. His combo with Etebo in the middle of the park, seems the most solid choice for Nigeria in the midfeild.

Emmanuel Denis

Emmanuel Denis, 24, looks to be the only like – for – like replacement for injured Victor Osimhen, who is set to miss out on the AFCON. Emmanuel Denis has played just 3 games for the Super Eagles since debuting in 2019. The poacher has scored 7 times in 15 games for Watford this campaign.

Nigeria are paired in group D, alongside 7 time tourney champions – Egypt, Sudan and Guinea Bissau.

Nigeria opens up with Egypt on January 11, before going up against Sudan and Guinea Bissau on January 15 and 19.