AUSTINE Jay Jay Okocha says the Super Eagles will need experience and the right mindset to defeat Ivory Coast in their crucial group A match against the hosts.
After forcing Equatorial Guinea to a 1-1 draw in their opening match of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, Nigeria will face their biggest group opposition at the Alassanne Quattara Stadium, Ebimpe, Abidjan on Thursday.
“I think the key will be experience, desire and state of mind. For me, they are professionals, and they know the importance of this match. I think their mindset will be the key,” the former midfielder told CAFonline.
Okocha however said the Super Eagles must expect a difficult game against the hosts
“Absolutely! Every match is difficult but when you play the host country, it is even more difficult. But, of course the beauty of football is that if you want to be champions, you have to win against the best,” Okocha added.
“And as we know, in football, every match is difficult. If you are well prepared, you have a chance of winning your match. But, we Nigerians, we know that it will be a difficult match but also, we believe that we have enough potential to be able to win this match.”
