Nwankwo Kanu believes teams are now “afraid” of the Super Eagles

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Nigeria football legend Nwankwo Kanu has said teams are now afraid to take on the Super Eagles of Nigeria following their spectacular 1-0 win over AFCON 2023 hosts Ivory Coast.

Jose Peseiro’s charges put up a spirited performance to beat the host nation 1-0 in their second Group A game.

After Victor Osimhen was fouled in the box, captain William Troost-Ekong scored the resulting penalty in the 55th minute.

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The Nigeria team now have four points after drawing 1-1 against Equatorial Guinea in their first outing.

Meanwhile, Ivory Coast are on three points. They had beaten Guinea-Bissau 2-0 in the tournament opener on Saturday, 13 January.

Kanu, a two-time Africa Footballer of The Year and an Olympic Gold medalist praised the players and coaches for their impressive victory against Ivory Coast on Thursday.

“Congratulations! It is what it is. Every country is afraid of our dear Super Eagles. So, let’s believe we can do it. Well done boys and well done the coaching crew. Thanks to all that supported and pray for us”, Kanu stated.

The Super Eagles are second in group A, although level on points (4) Equatorial Guinea who lead on goal difference. Meanwhile, the Elephants occupy the third spot with three points.

Guinea-Bissau sit in the fourth (and last) position with zero point recorded so far.

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Nigeria face the Wild Dogs of Guinea-Bissau, same day Ivory Coast battle Equatorial Guinea. The Super Eagles need only a point in their final group match to secure a last 16 berth.