Chaves midfielder Kelechi Nwakali is optimistic about the Super Eagles’ chances of winning the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, attributing their potential success to the presence of Victor Osimhen. Nwakali, aged 25, included in the provisional squad for the 34th edition of the competition, emphasized the importance of consistency for the team’s triumph despite their inherent strength and diversity.
According to Nwakali, Osimhen’s role is pivotal for the Eagles, especially considering his recent accolade as the African Footballer of the Year. Despite Osimhen’s absence in the World Cup qualifying matches against Zimbabwe and Lesotho in November due to a hamstring injury, he played a crucial role in Nigeria’s smooth qualification for the 2023 AFCON, scoring ten goals during the qualification series.
Teammates at Nigeria’s successful 2015 FIFA Under-17 World Cup campaign, Nwakali and Osimhen share a history of triumph. Nwakali, echoing the sentiments of many Nigerians, believes that Osimhen will be a key asset in facing host country Ivory Coast and other contenders in Group A, including Equatorial Guinea and Guinea-Bissau.
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Expressing confidence in the team’s capabilities, Nwakali stated, “I feel we’ve got a very good squad to win the AFCON. 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.”
Acknowledging the need for consistent performance throughout the tournament, Nwakali emphasized the versatility of the squad and the importance of maintaining momentum. Having been awarded the Best Player at the 2015 Under-17 World Cup, Nwakali has made four appearances for the Super Eagles so far, contributing to their campaign in the 2021 AFCON in Cameroon.
In the current season with Chaves, the 25-year-old midfielder has started in the center midfield position, providing three assists in 15 games under the guidance of coach Joao Moreno.