Former Super Eagles captain Okechukwu Uche has tipped either of Nigeria, hosts; Egypt or Senegal to lift the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Egypt, 7-time winners of the AFCON, will stage the expanded 24-team tournament from 21 June to 19 July in four cities namely; Cairo, Alexandria, Ismailia, and Suez.
The ex-Eagles center-back, however, believes that Nigeria will require adequate preparation to excel in Egypt.
Asked to name his favourites to clinch the title, the 51-year-old, who was part of Nigeria’s AFCON-winning squad in 1994, said: “I think Egypt is number one as the hosts, and I think they have good players.
“Senegal is another team that will be contenders for this Cup of Nations, and of course, Nigeria.
“There’s no competition in Africa that you will write off Nigeria, no matter how bad the preparation might be, we always have that quality. And based on that, I think we have a very good quality team, but preparation is important.
“It is not just going there (Egypt) to compete, if you are thinking of bringing the cup home, you must be prepared because teams like Egypt and Senegal will be competing (for the title). Except you want to go there and compete and come back.
“We have quality players, it’s a very good team, but they need to be prepared. I don’t know how prepared they are for this tournament, that’s the problem,” the former Fenerbahce defender said.
Nigeria are aiming for their fourth triumph on the continent, while hosts, Egypt will hope to win the competition for a record-extending 8th time. Senegal are yet to win the AFCON.
