AFCON 2024 : Super Eagles will come up stronger against Cote d’Ivoire – Yobo

Former Nigerian Captain, Joseph Yobo has advised Nigerians not to judge the Super Eagles with their performance against Equatorial Guinea in their opening Group A match at the ongoing AFCON finals in Cote D’Ivoire; saying that he’s optimistic the Jose Peseiro tutored side will perform better against Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire on Thursday.
It would be recalled that the Central African country in their match against Nigeria on Sunday, netted a surprise opener in the 36th minutes through
Iban Salvador but the lead lasted only two minutes before Napoli forward and 2023 African Footballer of the Year, Victor Osimhen headed Nigeria level.
Nigeria next meet hosts Cote d’Ivoire in a potentially crucial clash on Thursday while Equatorial Guinea face Guinea-Bissau, who lost 2-0 to the Ivorians in Saturday’s tournament opening game.

Reacting to the result, Yobo stated that the important thing is that Nigeria did not lose the game even as he expressed optimism that the Super Eagles will put up a better performance against the host country in their second match.
” It’s true that every Nigerian expected the Super Eagles to beat their opponent but the most important thing is that they did not lose that game but shared points with their opponent” began the former Everton defender.
” I believe the team can do better in their next game against Cote d’Ivoire.You will agree with me that we had chances in that game but unfortunately couldn’t convert them to goals but I’m sure that won’t be the case against the Elephants.
Yobo also commended the players for fighting back after going down 1-0, to leveled parity within a minute.
” I must commend the fighting spirit in the Super Eagles which shows that they still have character of reacting when they concede a goal, The confidence of the team is there and I am happy that they reacted perfectly well few seconds after going down by one goal.

“Credit must also go to Osimhen for netting the goal and also Lookman for providing the assist. The team must keep the spirit going.

“Kudos should also go the Equatorial Guinea goalkeeper because he made some brilliant saves and at some point, covered up for some of the lapses from his defenders”, concluded the former Fernerbace center back