Kola: Nigeria has an 80% chance of winning AFCON

Iheanacho Kelechi of Nigeria challenged by Mohamed Abdelmoneim Elsayed Mohamed Ahmed of Egypt during the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations Afcon Finals match between Nigeria and Egypt at Roumde Adjia Stadium in Garoua, Cameroon, on 11 January 2022 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix

by Staff Reporter

Wednesday Jan 12, 2022. 11:00

Forest Rangers’ Nigerian-born striker Quadri Kola believes there is an 80 per-cent chance The Super Eagles can clinch the AFCON 2021 trophy following Tuesday’s convincing 1-0 victory over Egypt.

The three-time AFCON champions outplayed and outwitted the record seven time AFCON winners in Garoua courtesy of a Kelechi Iheanacho 30th minute goal to take command of Group D on match-day-one.

“I am really happy and so excited for my country. Great performance, good composure and they played as a unit which is really good. It is really great to get the three points and we are now looking forward to the next game,” Kola told AF in an exclusive interview.

“If they can continue playing with the same spirit, we are entitled to get the trophy that is if they can play the other teams with the same spirit as they did against Egypt.

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“The team understands each other, they have been together for a while and I am so glad to see my country getting a victory today.”

The ex-Zesco United and Mbabane Swallows striker added that everyone is very eager to see coach Austin Eguavoen emulate his late AFCON 1994 teammate Stephen Keshi and also lift the title as a coach.

“If they can continue playing like the way they played on Tuesday, 80 percent can show that Nigeria can win this trophy and the glory will go to the country,” Kola added.

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“Especially the coach because has won it before as a player and winning it as a coach it is going to be marvellous.”