Godwin Nii Armah Tagoe
February 2, 2024 at 3:58 PM
- Revered politician Peter Obi is in Abidjan, Ivory Coast to support Nigeria
- The Super Eagles will face Angola in the quarterfinal of the ongoing AFCON
- Obi contested in the 2023 Nigerian elections on the ticket of the Labour Party
2023 Nigerian presidential aspirant Peter Obi has made his way to Ivory Coast to support the Super Eagles ahead of their TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinal tie with Angola on Friday, February 2.
The three-time African champions will lock horns against the Palancras Negras, who have been one of the many surprise packages in the ongoing tournament, at the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny.
Source: Getty Images
While Nigeria boasts the best defensive record in the competition, conceding just a solitary goal across four games, Angola have been impressive upfront, bagging nine goals en route to the last eight.
Ghanaian football expert slams Black Stars players after disgraceful AFCON match against Mozambique: Video
Football
As pre-tournament favourites Morocco and defending champions Senegal exited the competition before the quarterfinal stage, many have tipped the West African giants as the overwhelming favourites, per Al Jazeera.
However, after 44 matches, the 34th edition of Africa’s flagship tournament has proven a strong dislike for the ‘favourite’ label. Hence, Nigeria will be wary of the poisoned chalice that has been handed over to them.
Nonetheless, a high number of supporters are convinced Nigeria will be more than able to carry the burden of being the favourites, which has led to popular politician Peter Obi heading to Ivory Coast.
Peter Obi travels to Abidjan to support Nigeria
In a video making the rounds on the internet, spotted by Sports Brief, the Labour Party presidential candidate arrived in the AFCON host nation to throw his weight behind the nation.
Furious Algerian Fans Confront Coach Djamel Belmadi After AFCON 2023 Elimination, Video
Football
Explaining his mission to the media, Peter explained that the performance of Nigeria in the competition deserves commendation, and thus, he is present in Abidjan to support the dream of annexing a fourth AFCON crown.
Nigeria coach talks about team’s chances
As the teams gear up for the match, the coach of Nigeria’s Super Eagles, Jose Peseiro, has assessed his team’s chances to secure a pivotal victory against an impressive Angola side, Sports Brief reported.
In the final press conference ahead of the last eight showdown, the Portuguse tactician played down the notion of his team being labelled as favourites, providing a measured assessment of both teams’ chances in the impending clash.
He argues that his team has a 50 per cent chance of winning the game against the Palancras Negras.
