Some football enthusiasts in Bauchi have expressed optimism that the Super Eagles would win the trophy in the ongoing African Cup of Nation (AFCON) in Cameroun.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 33rd edition of the AFCON kicked off on Sunday with 24 teams in Cameroun.
Cameroun beat Barkina Faso 2-1 in the opening match played at the newly built 60,000 seater Olembe Stadium in Yaoundé.
A cross section of the fans, who spoke in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday, expressed confidence that the Super Eagles would triumph in spite of challenges with preparations for the tournament.
Mr Umar Said, a Bauchi based sport analysts, said he has confidence in the ability of Nigeria’s 28-man squad for the championship in Cameroon and the wealth of experience of Augustine Eguavoen as a coach.
“The preparations have been typically shabby, the players barely had a training camp and there were no pre-tournament friendly matches.
“Eguavoen has to rely on his experience and sheer determination of the players.
“However, they will do well and we are expecting good result,” he said.
Mr Mustapha Ibrahim, a football player urged the players to play hard and Nigerians should pray for the success of the team.
“Bringing the new coach might affect performances in the tournament because of blending and coordination.
“The team has quality players and an experienced coach, I am confident that they will do it and we are wishing them best,” Ibrahim said.
Another footballer, Musa Audu, described the Super Eagles line up as superb for the tournament.
“Things can happen, 2013 AFCON success came against all expectations,” he said.
For her part, Mrs Tabitha Alford, a football fan, said that Nigerian players possessed high spirit of hard work and with team work at the tournament everything would go well.
“I have hope and I will be happy to see this team surprise me,” she said
Nigeria will face Egypt in Group D, on Tuesday at the Roumde Adjia Stadium, Garoua. (NAN)
