Afcon 2023: Kolo Toure hopes Ivory Coast beat Nigeria in final to spark party

Nigeria’s campaign started with a 1-1 draw against Equatorial Guinea, with Napoli striker Osimhen heading home the Super Eagles’ equaliser.

Since then, the current African Footballer of the Year has failed to add more goals, despite his impressive work rate which has resulted in an assist and two penalties won for his team.

“Osimhen cannot do it all alone. The change in formation has not really helped him get chances,” former West Bromwich Albion and Dynamo Kyiv forward Brown said.

“The 5-4-1 formation can be very tiring for the lone striker.”

Unlucky to have had two goals disallowed by VAR, Osimhen is expected to lead Nigeria’s title quest on Sunday, while Atalanta winger Lookman is their top scorer with three goals.

“Lookman has been a great back-up plan. He has had an amazing tournament,” Brown added.

“The whole country (Nigeria) needs this trophy. It will bring so much joy to us.”

Severely criticised for the team’s poor form before the Nations Cup, coach Peseiro has now been heralded for turning the team around at a crucial time.

The Super Eagles have scored in all their six matches while keeping four clean sheets, and conceding just twice.

“If Peseiro wins the Afcon, he should continue,” suggests Ideye of the Portuguese, who is yet to commit his future beyond the Nations Cup.

“If you’re not good, you can’t win a tournament as big as the Afcon.”