Legendary Ivory Coast forward Salomon Kalou says the senior national team of Nigeria rank among the favourites to win this year’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.
Kalou made this known in an interview with Duelbits.com while looking ahead to the tournament which begins on the 21st of December with the host up against Comoros.
Speaking on the favourite for the title, which is currently held by his country, Kalou said the attack of the Nigerian team led by Victor Osimhen gives them an edge, in addition to the pace and creativity of Samuel Chukwueze and Ademola Lookman respectively.
“Nigeria look very strong this year. With Victor Osimhen leading the line, they have one of the most feared strikers in world football. Add in the pace and creativity of Ademola Lookman and Samuel Chukwueze, plus Wilfred Ndidi’s stability in midfield, and you see a team with balance and depth. Nigeria were runners‑up last time, and with this mix of stars they’ll believe they can go all the way”, he told Dom Rae of Duelbits.com in an exclusive interview.
“I do think Ivory Coast or Nigeria are the ones I’d put my money on”, he stated before picking Osimhen as favourite to be top scorer at the tournament.
“Victor Osimhen is the headline act, his goalscoring record speaks for itself, and he has the mentality to carry Nigeria deep into the tournament”, the former Chelsea forward said.
“Raphael Onyedika gives Nigeria extra steel in midfield; he’s still developing, but tournaments like this are where players grow into leaders.
“If I had to pick one name for this tournament [to score the most goals], it’s Victor Osimhen. He’s in incredible form, and Nigeria’s group gives him the chance to start fast. Against Tanzania and Uganda, he could get a few goals early, and once a striker like Osimhen builds momentum, he’s very hard to stop. He has the hunger, the quality, and the mentality to finish as top scorer.”
Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman
