Some football enthusiasts in Bauchi have expressed optimism that the Super Eagles would win the trophy in the ongoing African Cup of Nation (AFCON) in Cameroun.

The 33rd edition of the AFCON kicked off on Sunday with 24 teams in Cameroon.

Cameroun beat Burkina Faso 2-1 in the opening match at the newly built 60,000-seater Olembe Stadium in Yaoundé.

A cross-section of the fans, who spoke in separate interviews on Sunday, expressed confidence that the Super Eagles would triumph despite challenges with preparations for the tournament.

Mustapha Ibrahim, a football player, urged the Eagles to play their heart out.

“Bringing the new coach might affect performances in the tournament because of blending and coordination. The team has quality players and an experienced coach,” stated Ibrahim. “I am confident that they will do it, and we are wishing them the best.”

Another footballer, Musa Audu, described the Super Eagles’ lineup as superb for the tournament.

“Things can happen, 2013 AFCON success came against all expectations,” he added.

For her part, Tabitha Alford, a football fan, pointed out that if the Eagles players had a high spirit of hard work and teamwork at the tournament, everything would go well.

“I have hope, and I will be happy to see this team surprise me,” she said.

Umar Said, a Bauchi based sports analyst, said he had confidence in the ability of Nigeria’s 28-man squad for the championship in Cameroon and the wealth of experience of Augustine Eguavoen as a coach.

But he admitted that “the preparations have been typically shabby, the players barely had a training camp, and there were no pre-tournament friendly matches.”

Said added, “Eguavoen has to rely on his experience and sheer determination from the players. However, they will do well, and we are expecting good results.”

On Tuesday, Nigeria will face Egypt in Group D at the Roumde Adjia Stadium, Garoua.

(NAN)