NIGERIAN football legend Segun Odegbami has told the Nigeria Football Federation to ensure that the Super Eagles are fully focused on the final of the AFCON 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
The three-time African champions face hosts Cote d’Ivoire in the final on Sunday night at the Alassane Outtara Stadium in Abijdan, and 1980 AFCON winner Odegbami wants his compatriots to avoid any distractions.
“There is this interesting story of one triathlon athlete who led the field for most of the competition, was far ahead of every other competitor and looked sure to win,” Odegbami said.
“But she fell down close to the tape, and before she could summon the energy to crawl towards the tape, she saw someone go past her to claim victory. The lesson of the story is that it is never over until it is over.
“The NFF should not allow any kind of distractions around the team in the next couple of days before the match. Let us allow the boys to concentrate and focus hard on the task at hand. No frivolous visits to the team camp should be allowed.”
Instead of unnecessary visits from politicians and public figures riding on the waves of the team’s impressive run to the final, Odegbami suggested that Nigerians must motivate the Super Eagles from a safe distance.
“We must all endeavour to help the team. Let them be themselves and remain themselves,” added the former forward, who scored three goals, including in the final, for Nigeria at the 1980 AFCON on home soil.
“This is of utmost national importance and all for the glory of our homeland. Nothing must be allowed to distract the players from this crucial national assignment.”
