As Egypt continues its historic journey, securing three consecutive Africa Cup of Nations titles, Nigeria remains among the teams that faced the formidable challenge presented by the Pharaohs.
In a candid interview with FilGoal.com, Victor Obinna, former striker for the Nigerian national team, sheds light on Egypt’s dominance, the reasons behind Nigeria’s setbacks, and his predictions for the upcoming tournament in Côte d’Ivoire.
The Impact of European-based African Players in AFCON:
Obinna addresses the speculation surrounding African players based in Europe, suggesting they might not give their best in the Africa Cup of Nations due to injury concerns during the club season.
While he hasn’t discussed this issue with fellow players, Obinna emphasizes that African players are committed to representing their countries.
Egypt’s Performance from 2006 to 2010:
Reflecting on Egypt’s performance between 2006 and 2010, Obinna commends the team’s unity, fighting spirit, and determination to win every AFCON they participated in during that period.
He recognizes Egypt as one of the best champions in African football history.
Nigeria’s Strong Showing in AFCON 2010:
Discussing Nigeria’s impressive display in the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations, Obinna attributes the team’s failure to clinch the title to a need for more luck.
Despite having a fantastic team, he believes better fortune and improved player cohesion were essential for achieving the desired results.
Criticism of Coach Jose Peseiro:
Regarding the recent criticism of Nigeria’s coach, Jose Peseiro, Obinna acknowledges the coach’s poor overall statistics and suggests the team’s performance under Peseiro’s leadership has been subpar.
However, he anticipates that Peseiro might compete for the AFCON title, considering the limited time available for a coaching change.
Current Strength of the Egyptian National Team:
Assessing the current state of the Egyptian national team, Obinna acknowledges Egypt’s production of strong squads for AFCON tournaments.
He believes Egypt has a highly competent team ready to compete for victory in the upcoming January 2024 AFCON.
Opinion on Mohamed Salah:
Regarding Mohamed Salah, Obinna lauds him as one of the best players in Africa’s history, possibly the best in Egypt’s football history.
Predictions for AFCON 2023:
When forecasting the 2023 AFCON, Obinna suggests there might be surprises, highlighting the potential for an unexpected team to reach the semi-finals, akin to Morocco’s performance in the recent World Cup.
However, he identifies Senegal, Morocco, Egypt, and Nigeria as the top contenders for the title.
Selecting African Football Legends:
For the top five African football legends, Obinna lists George Weah, Didier Drogba, Nwankwo Kanu, Samuel Eto’o, and Yaya Touré.
Strongest Current African Teams:
Identifying the current powerhouses, Obinna mentions Senegal, Morocco, Egypt, Algeria, and Nigeria as the top five teams in Africa.
Best All-time African XI:
In Obinna’s ideal African XI, the lineup includes Vincent Enyeama, Lauren, Mehdi Benatia, Yaya Touré, Taribo West, Rigobert Song, Didier Drogba, Abedi Pele, George Weah, Austin Okocha, and Samuel Eto’o.
Top 5 Strikers in African History:
When naming the best strikers, Obinna selects Nwankwo Kanu, George Weah, Didier Drogba, Samuel Eto’o, and Mohamed Salah.
This comprehensive interview with Victor Obinna provides a unique perspective on African football, blending personal experiences with insightful analysis, offering football enthusiasts a deeper understanding of the game’s dynamics on the continent.
