Former Nigerian midfielder Ogenyi Onazi has cautioned the team not to underestimate Tanzania in their AFCON opener on Tuesday, SportPremi reports.
The Super Eagles and the Taifa Stars clash at the Fes Stadium later today in their opening group C encounter, with eyes on making a winning start at the tournament.
The three-time African champions will be hoping to improve on their second placed finish at the previous edition, when they were beaten by Ivory Coast in the final in 2023.
Nigeria head into the tournament in Morocco led by newly-appointed captain Wilfried Ndidi, who will be hoping to guide the country to a fourth African trophy.
Talisman Victor Osimhen will also have eyes on clinching his first golden boot award at the tournament, cementing his place among the continent’s all-time greats.
Eric Chelle’s squad is highly packed with quality and are one of the favorites to win tournament, alongside the likes of Egypt, Morocco, Senegal and Ivory Coast.
Onazi sends warning to Super Eagles ahead of Tanzania clash
Ogenyi Onazi was an integral member of the Nigerian squad when they lifted the African Cup of Nations in 2013, which was also their last continental triumph.
Speaking ahead of the nation’s opener against Tanzania on Tuesday as they chase a fourth crown, the retired midfielder advised them against underestimating any opponent.
“I believe we will defeat Tanzania, but the boys have to be ready for it. There are no easy games in the Africa Cup of Nations, and experience should tell us that. We have lost games to supposedly lowly opponents like Madagascar a few years ago in Egypt”, Onazi stated.
“I can guarantee you that Tanzania will make life difficult for Nigeria, just like Comoros did to Morocco in their opening game yesterday. Despite the loss, the Comoros team were very resolute and it was only in the second half that they were eventually beaten. Eric Chelle has to tell his players that they must give more than a hundred percent if Nigeria are to win, because the Tanzanians will come out to frustrate Nigeria and try to hit the Super Eagles on the break,” he added.
“I am very sure that will be their game plan, so Nigeria have to be prepared. We have to win our first game because it is very important to do so in every competition. Getting the three points will be a nice way to start the tournament and gain more confidence ahead of the next game against Tunisia, who, with due respect to the other countries in the group, should be our main threat.”
Nigeria face Tanzania in their group opener on Tuesday, before further group C matches against Tunisia and Uganda still to come in the month.
