Eagles to know Nations Cup foes Friday as NFF shares optimism Nigeria will claim title

With the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) around the corner, the Super Eagles of Nigeria alongside the other 23 teams will get to know their group stage opponents this Friday.

The draw is billed to take place at the Giza Pyramids and Sphinx in Egypt, where the tournament will be hosted from June 21 to July 13.

The Eagles have been placed in pot 1 ahead of the draw, and are likely to face Ghana and South Africa, who are in pot 2 and 3 respectively, in the group stage.

According to the pots revealed by CAF,POT 1 has EGYPT CAMEROON SENEGAL TUNISIA NIGERIA MOROCCO

POT 2 DR CONGO, GHANA, MALI, COTE D’IVOIRE, GUINEA ALGERIA

POT 3 SOUTH AFRICA, UGANDA, BENIN, MAURITANIA, MADAGASCAR, KENYA

POT 4 ZIMBABWE, NAMIBIA, GUINEE BISSAU ANGOLA, TANZANIA, BURUNDI

Read Also: Super Eagles climb four places in Fifa ranking, now 3rd in Africa

Nigeria had missed the last two editions of the competition as they failed to qualify.

But the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is optimistic that the country’s return to continental battle means they are ready to lift their 4th AFCON title.

Speaking with Complete Sports, NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi said:

“I am very optimistic that Super Eagles will win the AFCON trophy come July this year. The only way to appease for missing two consecutive Nations Cup is the emerge champions in Egypt, and insha Allah, they will deliver.”

He added: “We have the players and a very sound technical crew capable of going all the way in Egypt.

“Anyone who underrates the Super Eagles does that at his own risk because we have the squad capable of beating any team and bringing back the cup.

“It is going to be very tough, but I have confidence in the ability of the Super Eagles to excel in Egypt. We shall be ready to face the best of Africa and conquer.”

The Eagles are three-time champions of Africa. Can they achieve the feat they last did in 2003? Time will tell.

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