‘Osimhen and other stars make Super Eagles of Nigeria a big team’ – Didier Drogba

Didier Drogba, the former Ivorian international, still believes that the Super Eagles of Nigeria are a big team with the prescence of Victor Osimhen and other stars who are flourishing at their respective clubs.

Drogba’s remarks arrives amidst concerns over the Nigerian team’s inconsistent performances ahead of the 2023 AFCON which will take place in the Chelsea legends home country, Ivory Coast from January 13, 2024.

In his comments about the group A which houses Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea and Guinea Bissau, Drogba emphasized the potential for surprises, especially with players like 2023 CAF player of the Year Victor Osimhen in the Super Eagles of Nigeria squad.

In an interview with BBC Africa Sports, Drogba acknowledged Nigeria’s status as a big team and highlighted the need for focus and unity in his native Ivory Coast if they are to make progress and win the upcoming African Cup of Nations title on home soil.

“Nigeria, with Victor Osimhen and all the players they have, is a big team. We mustn’t forget the other two teams because there are always surprises, ” Drogba said.

“I think that our [Ivory Coast) main asset will be to focus on our game, our team, our strengths and try to progress. It’s up to us to make the most of it, get behind our team and make sure the trophy stays at home”, he told BBC Africa Sports.

Drogba, who played at five AFCON competitions, never lifted the trophy during his international career but will hope to celebrate a triumph from the stands when the best teams in Africa lockhorns to the continents biggest football prize.

Osimhen is one player who is constantly hailing Drogba’s influence on his career, the Nigerian forward on the 2023 CAF award stage mentioned the Chelsea legend as his role model and so it will be interesting to see how the forward fares against his mentors nation Ivory Coast at the AFCON group stage.