Former Nigerian goalkeeper Greg Etafia has expressed confidence that the Super Eagles can break Ivory Coast’s record for the most goals scored in a single African Cup of Nations tournament, SportPremi reports.
The Elephants hold the record for the most goals scored at a single edition of the African Cup of Nations with 16 which they scored in the 2008 tournament when they finished in fourth-place.
They scored eight during the group stages and scored five times in their quarterfinal clash, thrashing Guinea 5-0.
- Check this: Emmanuel Okoduwa backs Nigeria for AFCON glory
The 2023 champions then scored two more in the semifinal and third-place playoffs match, setting a record of 16 goals.
Nigeria have already scored 14 goals so far in Morocco and with two more matches to play, can set a new record.
The Super Eagles also netted eight during the group stage – two against Tanzania and three each against Tunisia and Uganda.
They scored four times in their Round of 16 win over Mozambique and netted two more in the quarterfinal victory over Algeria.
The three-time African champions face Morocco in a blockbuster semifinal encounter later tonight, hoping for a win to advance to the final, while they could set a new AFCON record should they score three times in the clash.
Etafia backs Nigeria for AFCON record
Speaking ahead of Nigeria’s clash against the 2025 host today, Etafia believes the team are more motivated to achieve victory and bounce back from recent disappointments.
“They will break that record…I am sure of that. They have been to 17 semifinals now, so they will want to go to the final”, Etafia said.
“Morocco are the hosts; they have the 12th man behind them, but I feel Nigeria have a big opportunity to do well. I feel like they [Nigeria] want to redeem themselves at this Afcon after the disappointment of not qualifying for the World Cup.
Lookman had problems at [Italian club] Atalanta, and I think that’s one problem. At this Afcon, about six or seven players are on form, and the team is clicking”, he continued.
“You can see the fire in their faces … they really want to go far in this tournament. I just hope they can win it.”
On Victor Osimhen
“For Nigeria to recognise you as a legend or as someone who’s really contributed to the national team, you need to win a major tournament for the country, so Osimhen will want to win this Afcon at all costs.”
The winner of the clash between Nigeria and Morocco will advance to the final on January 18 for a date against the victor of the other semifinal clash between Senegal and Egypt.
