Did Nigeria’s Super Eagles underachieve at the 2023 AFCON?

Nigeria’s Super Eagles might not have won the 2023 AFCON, but there is no denying that they had a really impressive campaign. So impressive that many fans who decided to stake on the team must have made serious bank after each Super Eagles Game.

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Anyway, back to talking about Nigeria’s Super Eagles. Yes, they got to the final, but did they underachieve?

See, while Nigeria is considered the giants of Africa, they weren’t exactly considered favorites to win, going into the 2023 AFCON.

The team has not had the most impressive run building up to the AFCON. In fact, they even failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup for the first time in 16 years.

Then getting into the AFCON, their performance in the opening game of the tournament didn’t do much to increase the confidence of the fans. They ended up drawing a game many thought they should have won.

However, they managed to pick up form, beating hosts Cote d’Ivoire and Guinea Bissau. Then they got into the knockout stage and just started demolishing teams along the way, from Cameroon to Angola and South Africa.

There were a number of key players in the team that really pushed the Nigerian campaign.

The captain of the team, William Troost-Ekong, was a pillar in the team, always ready to take and score the penalties while also marshaling the defense. His player of the tournament trophy was very well deserved.

The team’s goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, was also really impressive, keeping 4 clean sheets in 7 games and saving two penalties in the shootout in the semi final against South Africa.

The guys upfront also put in the work. Ademola Lookman scored a few goals, and even though Victor Osimehn scored just once all tournament, he was very vital for the team, especially off the ball.

The Super Eagles’ journey at the 2023 AFCON might have ended sadly with them not being able to clinch the trophy for the first time in 11 years, but it would be really harsh to say they underachieved because, at the beginning of the tournament, nobody really gave them a chance.

The overall takeaway is definitely one of progress and optimism. Fans seem more positive about future competitions, and the Super Eagles will have opportunities to improve on this result at the 2025 AFCON and 2026 World Cup.

With a talented pool of players eager to etch their names into Nigerian football folklore, there’s probably no better time for the Super Eagles of Nigeria to reclaim their title as the giants of Africa in football.