AFCON 2023 Qualifiers: “We can beat anybody”

The Super Eagles take on Sierra Leone on the 18th of June, and Awoniyi is confident of a good result

Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi is confident that Nigeria will beat Sierra Leone when both teams meet on the 18th of June, Soccernet.ng reports.

Awoniyi has returned to the Super Eagles squad for the first time since September 2022. The 25-year-old striker had a topsy-turvy campaign at Nottingham Forest. He started the season well but suffered a lull midway through because of a niggling injury.

However, Awoniyi finished with a flourish, scoring five important goals in his final three games to help the Tricky Trees survive relegation.

His performance did not go unnoticed, as he earned a call-up to the national team ahead of the crucial 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Sierra Leone.

Ahead of the game, Awoniyi has expressed confidence in the Super Eagles. He insists that if the players can be at their best, they can defeat anybody.

“This is a game [against Sierra Leone] that is very important to the country because you have to play it once, it’s not a league game where you have an opportunity to play again,” Awoniyi told Soccernet exclusively.

“That is how I see every Super Eagles game, and that’s the kind of spirit I will take to the game if I get to Liberia.

“This is a game that you have to put in your best because you only have 90 minutes to play. Perhaps, the next time you play again in September or thereabout.

“Of course, Nigerians should not expect anything other than victory. Because looking at the calibre of players that we have in the team, these are players that have done well for their club sides, and I hope that we can bring home the same spirit that we have from our club sides.

“If we can bring it back, there is no nation that can beat Super Eagles.” Says Awoniyi.

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A victory for Nigeria would seal their place in the 2023 AFCON which will take place in Cote D’Ivoire next year.