Ogu predicts tough AFCON in Egypt

John Ogu believes the Super Eagles face a tough task winning the 2019 African Cup of Nations in Egypt after missing out on two editions.

The Eagles began preparation for the AFCON, scheduled for June 21 to July 19, on Monday in Asaba, Delta State after failing to qualify for the 2015 and 2017 editions.

The three-time African champions battle Burundi, Madagascar and Guinea in Group B and former Hapoel Beer Sheva star Ogu expressed confidence in the team’s ability to reach the semi-finals of the tournament.

“I think we (Eagles) stand a big chance but we know it’s not going to be easy as there are no minnows anymore in the competition,” Ogu told The PUNCH.

“Everybody is trying to put us in that position, that we will make it easily to the next round but football is not always like that. We believe in ourselves, we believe in the quality in the team.

“We just have to work hard and take each game as it comes, then, when we advance to the next round, we take it from there.

“Right now, we must give our best in the game versus Zimbabwe, our last before the final squad.”

Nigeria play Zimbabwe on Saturday at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba in their first pre-AFCON tournament friendly before taking on Senegal in Ismailia, Egypt on June 16 — their final friendly game.

On the Eagles being the favourites to lift the 32nd edition of the AFCON, Ogu added that every team that qualified for the tournament stood a chance of lifting the title but remained confident the Eagles would reach the last four.

“There are top nations featuring at this Nations Cup, so it’s going to be tough. It’s going to be difficult for the big teams but I believe Nigeria will get to the last four.”