Super Eagles’ captain Ahmed Musa and dependable center-back Kenneth Omeruo aim to achieve a historic feat as they strive to become the first pair of Nigerians to secure their second Africa Cup of Nations title.
Musa and Omeruo were part of the Super Eagles squad that clinched the prestigious title during the AFCON 2013 finals held in South Africa.
The Super Eagles will face off against the Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire in the AFCON 2023 final at the Alssanne Ouattara Stadium in Ebimpe, Abidjan, scheduled for Sunday.
Securing a win in the match will solidify the duo’s legacy in Nigerian football history.
Players such as Austine Jay Jay Okocha, Finidi George, Mutiu Adepoju, Daniel Amokachi, Emmanuel Amuneke, Sunday Oliseh, and Victor Ikpeba almost achieved this accomplishment on Nigerian soil in 2000, but their aspirations were thwarted by perennial rivals, the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon.
Each of the mentioned players contributed to the team’s victory in the AFCON 1994 finals in Tunisia but missed out on the opportunity for another championship medal due to Cameroon’s success six years later.
The Indomitable Lions emerged victorious in the thrilling final, securing a 5-4 win on penalties at the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos.
Omeruo has participated in five matches for Nigeria during AFCON 2023, whereas Musa, a member of the three-time champions, has not yet made an appearance.