As reactions continue to trail the just concluded draws for the 2023 African Cup of Nations qualifier, former Ivorian international Salomon Kalou has tipped the Super Eagles of Nigeria to qualify for the Biennial football fiesta billed for Cote d’ Ivoire.
Nigeria will square off against Sierra Leone, Guinea Bissau and Sao Tome and Principe following the ceremony held on Tuesday evening in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Speaking at the conclusion of the draws, the 36-year-old is confident that the three-time African kings will stroll past their foes.
“I think it is a good group [for the Super Eagles]. I think Nigeria is a team that will always qualify,” Kalou said on SuperSport after the draw.
“They will be the favourites of the group while the second place is open for the other three teams.”
While Nigeria enjoys a marginal head to head advantage over the Leone Stars and Guinea Bissau whom they defeated 2-0 in the group stage of the 2021 AFCON, the Super Eagles and Sao Tome have no previous meeting between them in international football.
Last time Nigeria and Sierra Leone clashed over two legs the West African teams shared the spoils, including an epic 8-goal thriller in Benin City in the qualifiers for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.
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