The head coach of AFCON surprise packages Gambia has installed Nigeria’s Super Eagles as leading contenders to be crowned champions of Africa next month, despite their 11-year title drought.
Gambian boss Tom Saintfiet labeled Nigeria as “one of the favourites” to lift the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, tipping them to thrive ahead of their heavyweight Group A battles with Ivory Coast, Guinea-Bissau and Equatorial Guinea.
With four continental crowns in their illustrious history, Nigeria are seeking to reign again for the first time since the late Stephen Keshi spearheaded their 2013 triumph.
Despite the absence of established stars like Emmanuel Dennis, calibration issues have hampered new coach Jose Peseiro. But Saintfiet remains adamant Nigeria has the tools to flourish if finding their best form.
“It will be interesting to see how Nigeria will perform because for me they are one of the favourites,” Saintfiet declared.
“It’s been 11 years since Stephen Keshi won it for them.”
Gambia represent a heartwarming underdog story, having qualified for only their second ever AFCON after embarking on a surprise run to the quarter-finals as debutants in 2021.
Spearheaded by Belgian coach Saintfiet, the tiny West African nation has already wildly exceeded expectations.
But in identifying hardened tournament veterans Nigeria as chief candidates for continental glory, Gambia’s miraculous manager has underlined why the Super Eagles remain feared despite recent struggles.
