A former Golden Eaglets captain Kelechi Nwakali identifies Victor Osimhen as the best striker in the world, who has the ability of leading Super Eagles to its fourth AFCON title npflupdates.com reports.
Nwakali made the 40-man Super Eagles provisional list for the 34th edition of the African Cup Of Nations (AFCON). And he is upbeat that with consistency of the players, Nigeria can make history in Ivory Coast.
Also read: AFCON 2023: Nigeria With Victor Osimhen Is A Good Team – Drogba Warns Cote d’Ivoire
In a recent interview with the PUNCH Nigeria, the CD Chaves playmaker expresses confidence in the Jose Peseiro’s squad.
What Kelechi Nwakali said about Super Eagles and Victor Osimhen
“I feel we’ve got a very good squad to win the AFCON,” Nwakali said.
Kelechi Nwakali a former Golden Eaglets teammate with Victor Osimhen, remains upbeat that Napoli man has what it takes to champion Super Eagles charge for a fourth title.
Osimhen and Nwakali (team captain) were teammates at the 2015 FIFA U-17 world cup tournament were Nigeria won the title for a record fifth time. At the mundial, the former Ponferradina midfielder finished as best Ayer winning a golden ball; while Osimhen finished as highest goalcorer, and won a golden boot.
“This time around, the Eagles will have Victor (Osimhen), he can lead the team to the AFCON title. He is the best striker in the world at the moment,” the former Huesca player continued.
“I believe our squad is capable in any given game of matching any team. But obviously, it’s one thing having that and another being able to do that consistently throughout a tournament.
Also read: AFCON 2023: Ivory Coast Coach Allays Fear Over Outstanding Super Eagles Attack
“We’ve got players who can play anywhere in so many positions. You never know with the players we’ve got how well they can do. We’ve had a good qualifying campaign, but we need to make sure that we don’t slack, that we keep going and keep pushing forward, and give ourselves every possible chance.”
Having been used as a central midfielder by CD Chaves coach, Joao Moreno this season; and providing three assists in 15 Portuguese Primera Liga appearances this season, the 25-year-old spoke about his choice of position.
Speaking on his preferred role, he said, “As a player, you are always adapting.
“You adapt to your teammates, you adapt to the different coaches you are working under. It depends on what the coaches want from you.
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“Throughout my career, I’ve adapted to different situations and different teams I’ve played in, and I have no problem doing it. In football, you need players who can play in different positions. I’ve always felt like I can play in different positions. But I’ve always believed I am capable of playing in different positions.
He added, “To have players like that in your squad is important.”
