Nigeria will once again be one of the favorites to dominate Africa at the continent’s premier tournament next month in Ivory Coast< /p>
Former Nantes striker Samson Siasia has backed Real Sociedad striker Oumar Sadiq, who will play a key role for Nigeria at the 2023 African Cup of Nations, Soccernet.ng reported.
Napoli striker Victor Osimhen will be the biggest star of the 36th Continental Championship, scheduled to start on January 13th in Ivory Coast.
Osimhen, the reigning African Player of the Year, will lead Nigeria’s attack as the Super Eagles aim to win their fourth-ever AFCON trophy.
However, 1994 AFCON winner Sciasia believes former Almeria star Sadiq is the person head coach Jose Peseiro should build influence on in the competition.
Sadiq has scored just two goals for Real Sociedad this season since returning from a long spell out due to injury, but both were excellent shots.
However, Sciasia is confident that the 25-year-old striker, with the support of his head coach, can lead Nigeria to glory in Ivory Coast.
“Sadiq (Umar) is very good,” Siasia told Africa Interviews.
“You have to give him a chance and give him the confidence he needs.” Then he will be surprised. We see him playing for his club and he’s doing very well. In fact, he can do the same thing here (with the Eagles). ”
Nigeria will play hosts Ivory Coast, Equatorial Guinea and Guinea-Bissau in Group A of the AFCON.
