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Mikel Obi Attributes Super Eagles Success In 2013 AFCON To Victor Moses
Former Super Eagles captain Mikel Obi has acknowledged the contribution of Victor Moses in Nigeria’s African Cup of Nations (AFCON) victory in South Africa in 2013.
Mikel Obi and Victor Moses, who is currently playing for the Russian club, Spartak Moscow, were Nigeria’s biggest names in the 2013 AFCON.
The two former Nigeria internationals were teammates at Chelsea between 2012 and 2016, and Moses made his Nigeria debut when Obi was one of the oldest players in the Super Eagles.
Interestingly, Victor Moses played for England’s under-21 team before he made his debut for Nigeria in 2012. A year later, he helped the Super Eagles win their third AFCON title in South Africa.
Moses, who suffered injuries during the competition in South Africa and missed out on playing time, ensured Nigeria progressed to the knockout round by scoring twice against Ethiopia in the last group match.
The winger tormented the Mali defence in the semifinal. He was so good during the tournament that he made it into the team of the tournament.
In an interview with CAFonline, Mike Obi, who has retired from professional football since 2022, says Victor Moses is the best player he has ever played with on the national team, as he attributed the Super Eagles’ success at 2013 AFCON largely to the winger.
“And the player that I played with, you know, I played with lots of great players. But then it will come down to when we actually won the tournament, and one player that I really enjoyed his impact on the team then”, Mikel Obi said.
“Actually, it was massive, was Victor Moses. Victor was really on his game when we won the Nations Cup. He played a massive role which helped us to win the tournament”.
On the chances of the Super Eagles winning the 2023 AFCON, which will commence in Ivory Coast in January, Mikel Obi said, “Moving on to this tournament, we are always the favourite. There are many tough teams here, but, yeah, Nigeria is always the favourite.”
