Super Eagles will this Sunday afternoon begin their quest for a fourth African title as they confront Equatorial Guinea at the Olympic Stadium of Epimbe at the northern end of Abidjan in Cote d’Ivoire.

In championship of this nature, winning an opening match, including in the World Cup, is always an advantage. With three first round matches; a team may not feel same pressure at their first match of the Africa Cup of Nations as they might prior to their third match.

But the opening matches may hold more importance than many realize. The in-built rule therefore for ambitious teams in any tournament  to avoid an opening match defeat.

A defeat could be devastating to the psyche of a team as did to the potentially strong Spanish side that unexpectedly lost 3-2 to Nigeria in their opening game of France ‘98 World Cup in Nantes.

Spain who were upset in the first match tried to make up and looked ahead to Paraguay and Bulgaria, and still looked good bet to still pick scale through to the round of 16.

But a scoreless draw with Paraguay made their 6 -1 pounding of Bulgaria in the last match worthless after the Super Eagles lost their last match to Paraguay in the final group match.

In Nigeria’s previous 19 opening matches at the Africa Cup of Nations, they only lost four times. In two of such instances, they could not navigate the group stage in 1963 and 2008.

For the Nigerian team who camped in Abu Dhabi which at the moment is experiencing its coldest weather, the heat and humidity level in Abidjan could be an added disadvantage coupled with the fact that today’s match will be played in the afternoon – 3pm Nigerian time.

The team trained in cold region for a tournament in hot region. They will need a lot of stamina to survive a potentially gritty Equatorial Guinea side.

They will also not expect the crowd to be on their side, considering the anticipated challenge that Nigeria will give the hosts on Thursday.

As for their opponents who are having their fourth appearance since debuting as joint hosts with Gabon in 2012, they will hope to continue their fair record of progressing to at least the quarter finals.

They were undefeated in throughout 2023 and claimed victories in their opening World Cup qualifiers against Namibia and Liberia without even conceding any goal.

At the qualifying series for Cameroon 2021, they famously defeated Tunisia 1-0. Though in the two previous encounters Nigeria had had with the Nzalang Nacionale of Equatorial Guinea ended with Nigeria’s victory home and away, reliance on form-book could be disastrous.

Super Eagles coach, Jose Peseiro, called up nine AFCON debutants in his squad for the forthcoming continental showpiece in Ivory Coast. Here are the first-timers in the side eyeing a fourth AFCON title

Calvin Bassey

It’s been a mixed season for Bassey with Fulham this season but his performances for the Cottagers was enough to convince Peseiro to hand the defender a spot on the team.

The defender will hope to give a good account of himself at his first AFCON with the national team in a tricky Group A.

The 23-year-old has been heavily criticised for his underwhelming performance for the Eagles but now he has a chance to prove his doubters wrong in Abidjan.

Bassey has been a regular for Fulham this campaign and has made 17 appearances for the Cottagers and most notably sacrificed himself and picked up a red card in a match against Arsenal as they earned a 2-2 draw at the Emirates.

Ademola Lookman

Lookman’s skillful and creative style of play has been a highlight in Italy for Atalanta, where he has scored seven goals and provided three assists in 18 Serie  A appearances this season.

His inclusion in the Eagles squad adds versatility and attacking flair to the team’s forward line and he will be keen to add to his goal tally for Nigeria. In the pre-tournament friendly against Saudi side, Al Gharbi, on Sunday, the winger scored four goals for the Eagles as they claimed a convincing 12-0 win.

Terem Moffi

Moffi was called up to the Eagles squad as a replacement for the injured Victor Boniface on Tuesday. Moffi made his international debut in June 2021, scoring four goals in 14 games, but had initially failed to make the cut in coach Jose Peseiro’s side despite his six goals for Nice since the start of the season.

The 24-year-old has been pivotal for OGC Nice in the Ligue 1 this season as he bagged a brace against PSG on September 15 scoring the winner in the 3-2 victory.

Raphael Onyedika

Onyedika has been earning comparisons to France W’Cup winner Paul Pogba since last year and the 22-year-old versatile midfielder brings his skill and creativity to the Eagles squad.

He made his national team debut on September 27, 2022 and has since made three appearances for the Super Eagles while providing one assist.

Since joining Club Brugge in August 2022, Onyedika has made 72 appearances across all competitions for the Belgian club scoring one goal and providing one assist.

Alhassan Yusuf

Another Nigerian plying his trade for a Belgian side, Yusuf of Royal Antwerp is not only an AFCON newcomer but also a Super Eagles new boy. Yusuf was a last minute replacement for injured Leicester midfielder Wilfred Ndidi and the midfielder can make a name for himself at the competition.

Yusuf who last season won a double of both the Belgian Pro League and Belgian Cup, is although not at the same level as Ndidi but he is a quality ball winning midfielder. This season, he has made 23 club appearances across all competitions and has scored one goal and provided three assists.

Bright Osayi-Samuel

The Eagles starting right-back heading into the 34th edition of the AFCON, Osayi-Samuel is one of Nigeria’s players who have been in excellent form since the start of tue 2023/24 season.

The 25-year-old has appeared 24 times for Fenerbahce across all competitions this season, scoring two goals and registering four assists.

The Nigerian is one of Europe’s defender with highest number of assists this term. His service on the right flank will definitely help the team draw out opponents and as striker, Victor Osimhen, will hope, earn goals.

Stanley Nwabali

Nwabali is one of the two goalkeepers in the Eagles squad making their debut at the tournament.

The former Lobi Stars keeper, who had already been capped by the home-based Eagles, has been in great form for Chippa United, keeping seven clean sheets in 15 games and conceding 14 goals in South Africa’s topflight division.

Nwabili, known for his proficiency with his feet is not without quirks. His eccentric style is evident in the six yellow cards he has already received this season.

It remains to be seen if the 6ft5in keeper will be able to displace Francis Uzoho, whose inclusion in the AFCON squad has been heavily criticised.

Olorunleke Ojo

Enyimba’s first choice will battle Nwabili for the second choice position. Ojo is the only player from the Nigeria Premier Football League in the squad and he has blown hot and cold for the Enyimba this term despite their recent impressive results.

Ojo recently won the NPFL title in 2023 but despite his accolades, Ojo’s lack of international experience introduces an element of uncertainty.

Debuting in the pressure cooker of the AFCON might be a risk Peseiro is hesitant to take.

Bruno Onyemaechi

Determined to battle Zaidu Sanusi for the starting left back position, Onyemaechi has made 12 appearances for Boavista in the Portuguese topflight league this season has provided one assist.

Also capable of playing as a centre-back, Onyemaechi made his national team debut on September 10, 2023 in a 6-0 win over Sáo Tomé and Principé in the final group game of the AFCON qualifiers. He has gone on to make two more appearances for the Eagles.

The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations kicks off today with a tricky tie between Ivory Coast and Guniea-Bissau. The 34th edition of the tournament is considered one of the most wide-open in recent times, with several teams capable of lifting the title on February 11.

An important element to note is that the tournament has always been unpredictable. Below is the breakdown of every AFCON 2023 group and what we should expect.

Group A – Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea, Guinea-Bissau

This group is straightforward on paper. Ivory Coast -the host nation – and Nigeria have better players than the other two nations, so, most would fancy both to easily progress to the knockout stages.

The Elephants are hosting the event for the second time and are looking for their third continental title. They last won it in 2015 at the tail end of their Golden Generation. They have a young squad led by the experienced Max Gradel, who was part of the 2015 title-winning team. The likes of Sebastien Haller, Nicolas Pepe, Ibrahim Snagare, and Franck Kessie should make qualification easy for the hosts.

Meanwhile, Nigeria have been accused many times for underachieving at the tournament. They have reigning African Player of the Year Victor Osimhen in their strike force, so they are expected to get through. They are making their 20th AFCON appearance, per CAF.

Equatorial Guinea finished fourth in 2015, so they could be a problem for the two fancied nations. They have exciting players who play across Europe.

Guinea-Bissau will be playing in their fourth AFCON tournament and they will face the hosts in the opening game, which is daunting. Their clash with Equatorial Guinea will be huge if they both lose to the West African giants.

Group B – Egypt, Ghana, Cape Verde, Mozambique

No country has won more AFCON trophies (7) than Egypt. With Mohamed Salah, they always have a chance, and that was evident in the 2021 edition where they reached the final.

Pressure will be on Ghana to end their 42-year drought this year again. This time around, they have an in-form Mohammed Kudus and Atheltic Bilbao striker, Inaki Williams to rely on. Ghana and Egypt are favourites to progress from this group.

Cape Verde have reached the quarter-final before and are playing in their second straight tournament. They will look to winger, Ryan Mendes to give them inspiration.

This will be the first tournament for Mozambique since 2010 and they will be hoping for good performances in a tough AFCON group.

Group C – Senegal, Cameroon, Guinea, Gambia

This group has two giants and former winners of the tournament, Senegal and Cameroon. Senegal are the defending champion and are still one of the best teams on the continent.

Cameroon have always made their mark at AFCON and although their squad isn’t as great as it was a few years ago, they are always competitive. Therefore, Senegal and Cameroon should get through comfortably. However, Guinea might be a problem for them.

Guinea finished second in 1976 and have been a regular at the tournament. They will be looking for inspiration from one of the hottest strikers in the world – Serhou Guirassy who has scored 17 goals in 14 Bundesliga games this season.

The Gambia made their AFCON debut in 2021 and reached the quarter-finals and are certainly not pushovers.

Group D – Algeria, Burkina Faso, Mauritania, and Angola

Algeria, 2019 champions, are still one of the best teams on the continent and will be looking to right the wrongs of the 2021 edition, where they didn’t get past the group stage.

Burkina Faso have been consistent in the last few years. They finished second in 2013 and third in 2017. They also finished fourth in the 2021 tournament and will surely be a contender to progress from this group. Their squad consists of players like Edmond Tapsoba and Bertrand Traore.

Angola have reached the quarter-final before and a a serious candidate to progress from this group. Meanwhile, Mauritania only made their AFCON debut in 2019 and will face an uphill task when they face the other teams in this group.

Group E – Tunisia, South Africa, Namibia, Mali

This is a tough group where three teams, Tunisia, South Africa, and Mali all have a chance of progressing. Tunisia are one of the most consistent teams on the continent and have made it out for the group stages many times this century. They eliminated Nigeria in the last tournament.

Since winning the tournament in 1996, South Africa have failed to impress. However, they are coached by 2017 AFCON winner with Cameroon, Hugo Broos, and expectations are high.

Mali are another West African team that has always threatened. They have qualified for every AFCON tournament since 2008. They reached the last 16 in the last two tournaments.

Namibia are making their fourth appearance and are yet to win a match, so things will be tough for them, and the group will likely be fought between the three other teams.

Group F – Morocco, DR Congo, Zambia, Tanzania

Many expect Morocco to go all the way in this tournament, and they couldn’t have asked for a better group. They are the top-ranked team in Africa, and anything less than a final will be a disappointment.

DR Congo and Zambia have won the tournament before, but their squads are much different now. Zambia won it in 2012 and are in their first AFCON appearance since 2015. DR Congo’s title came in the 1970s, and they even missed out on the 2021 edition. These two sides will probably fight for the second spot.

Tanzania are playing their third AFCON tournament and would be overachiever if they make it out of the group stage.

Nigeria head coach Jose Peseiro has fired a warning shot to Super Eagles’ AFCON group rivals, Equatorial Guinea, that nothing short of a win will do for his team.

As Peseiro heads to his first tournament as Super Eagles coach, expectations are high with Nigerians eyeing a fourth AFCON title In Cote d’Ivoire.

Nigeria prepared for the tournament with a training camp in Abu Dhabi and two friendly matches.

Peseiro will now get his charges ready for their AFCON opening game on Sunday against Equatorial Guinea’s Nzalang Nacional Los Elefantes.

Addressing the media at the teams camp, the former Porto manager emphasized the importance of starting the tournament on a positive note.

Peseiro said, “It’s a short tournament, a difficult tournament, and a hard tournament. Equatorial Guinea did better than us in the last tournament, and they’re a very good team, but we want to win, we want to put the focus on everything. The trainings, the meals, the rest, all hundred percent focus so we can get the win on Sunday, it’s important for us.”

After the game against Equatorial Guinea, Nigeria will face tournament hosts Cote d’Ivoire and Guinea in group A.

In few hours, Africa will be vibrating to the rhythm of the 34th edition of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Côte d’Ivoire 2023. An array of African football talent will be on display between 13 January – 11 February.

LN247 Sports presents a Top 10 list of players to watch.

Sadio Mané (Senegal, 31)

Best player of the previous edition, the Lions of Teranga star player will once again be the man to watch when he captains his side in their title defense this year. After leaving Europe for Saudi Arabia last summer, Sadio Mané has lost none of his sharpness. He remains the guiding light and leader of a Senegalese team whose ambition is to achieve the double.

Vincent Aboubakar (Cameroon, 31)

For several competitions now, he’s been carrying the Indomitable Lions. Vincent Aboubakar is Cameroon’s captain and trusted goalscorer. His mental strength and leadership will be key in guiding his teammates to a 6th star for Cameroon.

Sehrou Guirassy (Guinea, 27)

The centre-forward has been coming back to life in Germany this season. He’s racking up goal after goal and rivalling other top Bundesliga strikers. Guirassy is undoubtedly the striker who was missing from the Syli de Guinée’s puzzle to excel in the TotalEnergies AFCON finals.

Sébastien Haller (Côte d’Ivoire, 30)

For his second TotalEnergies AFCON, he couldn’t have dreamt of anything better than playing it at home and in front of supporters that adopted him very quickly from his first steps with the Elephants. At 29, Sébastien Haller has reached maturity and intends to make a big impact at Africa’s biggest football spectacle in front of his fans.

Mohamed Amoura (Algeria, 23)

While other illustrious elders in the Algerian squad (Mahrez, Feghouli, Slimani) need no introduction, Mohamed Amoura should be the big attraction of this TotalEnergies AFCON 2023 for the Fennecs. The midfielder has excelled for his Belgian club over the past two seasons and has the opportunity to lead his national team into a major competition.

Victor Osimhen (Nigeria, 25)

It’s hard not to include the Best African Player of the Year in this thread. Victor Osimhen, fresh from his recent accolade as the best African footballer, is celebrating his new status on the continental stage. He is the figurehead of Nigeria’s rich attacking frontline, which he will have to guide in Côte d’Ivoire.

Azzedine Ounahi (Morocco, 24)

With the Moroccan team at the 2022 World Cup, he was part of a strong collective. Azzedine Ounahi once again has the opportunity to confirm the high regard in which he had with the star-studded Atlas Lions.

Mohammed Kudus (Ghana, 23)

A livewire for West Ham United in England’s Premier League, Mohammed Kudus has set one of the best leagues in the world alight with his explosive speed, skill and goalscoring prowess. Boasting seven man of the matches accolades this season with his side, the 23-year-old Ghanaian sensation will be one of the key players for the Black Stars in their pursuit of an elusive fifth TotalEnergies AFCON title.

Mohamed Salah (Egypt, 31)

As he has done for the last 3 finals, Mohamed Salah will once again be one of the attractions on the banks of the Ebrié Lagoon. A Liverpool star (top 5 scorer in the club’s history) with a string of goals every weekend, the Pharaoh remains the leader of his national team. Under his leadership, Egypt made it through the qualifiers unscathed.

Peter Shalulile (Namibia, 30)

Peter Shalulile is at the prime of his career with South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns. Fresh from lifting the inaugural African Football League and currently a key member of the team’s chase for a second TotalEnergies CAF Champions League gold medal, Shalulile will be key for the Brave Warriors of Namibia in Cote d’Ivoire.

A glittering array of global superstars will lead Africa’s traditional powerhouses in pursuit of continental glory when the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations kicks off in Cote d’Ivoire on Saturday.

The stage is set for Africa’s heavyweights to showcase their star power as the battle to be crowned kings of the continent begins.

Liverpool ace Mohamed Salah heads a cast of household names like Saido Mane, Victor Osimhen, Riyad Mahrez and Mohammed Kudus and at the 24-team tournament. 

Salah is hungry to finally get his hands on the trophy after twice finishing runner-up with Egypt, but this could be the most open TotalEnergies CAF AFCON in years.

The defending champions Senegal boast a wealth of talent like keeper Edouard Mendy and defender Kalidou Koulibaly as they bid to retain their crown.

However, coach Aliou Cisse is taking nothing for granted: “I believe this Nations Cup will be the toughest to win.” 

Morocco, Africa’s top ranked side after their historic World Cup semi-final run, loom as serious contenders to add to their 1976 title.

“We have an experienced coach in Walid Regragui and we believe we can win it,” said Morocco midfielder Sofyan Amrabat who has top players Achraf Hakimi, Yassino Bounou and Azzeddine Ounahi as his team-mates.

Meanwhile, hosts Cote d’Ivoire are chasing a third triumph on home soil led by top stars like Franck Kessie, Simon Adingra and Jeremie Boga.

Four-time winners Ghana also possess European pedigree in West Ham sensation Mohammed Kudus.

After crashing out prematurely in 2021, Algeria are on a redemption mission under mastermind Djamel Belmadi, boasting Riyad Mahrez and Mohammed Amoura.

And Nigeria’s hopes rest on Napoli hitman Victor Osimhen, crowned African Footballer of the Year few weeks ago after firing the Italians to the Serie A title.  

The 24-team format means this TotalEnergies CAF AFCON promises major drama and shocks with group stage upsets and tense knockout clashes.

With seven different winners in the last seven editions, the tournament is wide open as the continent’s heavyweights vie for supremacy.

“I want to win this competition having come so close twice,” declared Egypt’s Salah, still stung by final defeats with the Pharaohs in 2017 and 2021.

The Liverpool superstar is desperate to lead his nation to a record-extending eighth African crown.

But he faces intense competition from the likes of Senegal’s Mane, Algeria’s Mahrez and hosts Cote d’Ivoire desperate to conquer Africa on home soil. 

This TotalEnergies Afcon boasts an intriguing blend of wily veterans like Andre Ayew of Ghana, Youssef Msakni of Tunisia and emerging talents like Morocco’s Sofiane Boufal primed to shine.   

Whoever prevails by February 11th will etch their name into TotalEnergies CAF AFCON folklore by lifting the trophy under the Abidjan night sky.