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Osaze Odemwingie has backed the Super Eagles to beat Cote d'Ivoire at the AFCON 2023 final but wants more from the team offensively.
Former Nigeria international Osaze Odemwingie believes the Super Eagles can overcome Cote d’Ivoire in Sunday’s Africa Cup of Nations final and make a lasting name for themselves.
Pulse Sports Nigeria reports that Nigeria and Cote d’Ivoire will lock horns in a highly explosive final and Odemwingie wants to see the team match the host physically and unlock their defence.
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08:30 - 10.02.2024
PHOTOS: Ahmed Musa, Chukwueze, Iheanacho sweat it out as Super Eagles step up training for Ivory Coast
Nigeria's Super Eagles have stepped up their preparation ahead of the AFCON 2023 final against host nation Cote d'Ivoire.
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16:14 - 12.12.2023
I will continue with the GOAT — Osaze Odemwingie picks side in Ronaldo vs Messi debate
Super Eagles legend Peter Osaze Odemwingie has revealed his choice in the never-ending GOAT debate between Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi.
Odemwingie on the Super Eagles
Ahead of the AFCON 2023 grand finale, the former Premier League star says Nigeria can hurt their hosts, Cote d'Ivoire, who conceded four goals in their shock 4-1 defeat to minnows Equatorial Guinea earlier in the tournament.
The former winger says that evidence shows there are "weak areas" that Jose Peseiro's side can exploit to make Nigerians proud.
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"I say Nigeria always, if we match them physically, they can't match us for skill," Odemwingie told Channels TV per a post on X.com.
"In the game, we need to unlock their defence. They conceded four against Equatorial Guinea, so there are some spaces to exploit.
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"I'm sure they will show the players videos and images of where these goals came from and hopefully our boys will use these weak areas."
The former West Bromwich Albion striker believes an early goal could prove crucial to winning the tie.
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"Scoring will be important and if we can score first it will help us to keep their fans and home support quiet," he added.
On Motivation for the final
Cote d'Ivoire are aiming for their third AFCON crown while Nigeria are looking to lift the trophy for the fourth time.
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And Odemwingie had words of encouragement for the Super Eagles squad ahead of the final.
"The main thing is to congratulate the boys," he said. "Even if we don't win the trophy now, I think Nigerians will be happy we got to the final. This is the time, always an opportunity to make a name that you can cruise for the rest of your life."
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"The talent is there. You know what it means to lift a trophy and this circumstance against the host becomes more special. So, they are all grown-ups, they know what is at stake, gold is not silver. Silver is good but it’s not gold. The talent is there. They look solid as a unit, but i think offensively we need to do more.”
Nigeria and Cote d'Ivoire will go head-to-head for the second time in the AFCON 2023 at 9 pm Nigerian time on Sunday.
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