Super Eagles midfielder Frank Onyeka has declared that he came into AFCON 2023 with a mindset different from what he’s used to. He revealed this in an exclusive interview with Nigeria Info from the teams' base in Abidjan.
Onyeka, who started in Nigeria's opening two games, was particularly impressive in the victory over host Cote d'Ivoire.
"I came with a really strong mentality if I'm being honest,” he disclosed.
“You know this AFCON can boost your career from a certain level to the top. So, for me, coming into it, I knew what I wanted for me, for the team, for the country, and for my family. I just knew what I wanted.
"So, I'm here to win and by God's grace, we'll be able to achieve it. I came with a strong and different mentality.”
The 26-year-old who plays for Brentford in England, also talked about the victory over host Cote d'Ivoire.
"Because of the name too, you know, playing and beating the host country Ivory Coast is not easy.
“Not just Ivory Coast, even the other teams. But winning against Ivory Coast is amazing and I know people back home are happy.
“This is what they wanted to see. Before going for that game, we had a strong mentality, we were ready, we knew what we were going to face, and in the end, we came out with a win.”
Onyeka said the players want to show that they are Super Eagles, ahead of their final group match against Guinea Bissau.
"Every game is important. Guinea Bissau is not an easy side.
“If you look at what's happening in the group stage, a lot of trams are getting beaten, surprisingly.
“You see Cameroon, Ghana all these teams are struggling. So, for us, we won't take any games lightly, we want to win all and show them that we are Nigerians, we are Super Eagles.
“We won't go into the game to underrate Guinea Bissau. No!”
He also debunked rumors that players are sad that their bonuses have not been paid.
"Our only focus right now is to prepare for the games. We want to finish things off.
“We can't be having money on our minds and games too. It's too many mix-ups. So, our only focus is just the games," he affirmed.
He reiterates that hard work and focus are key if Nigeria is to win the AFCON again for the first time since 2013.
"Working hard, being focused, and being disciplined are our key points, so 'Let's do it again'. Not to underrate any team in this competition, and like the slogan in Nigeria right now, ‘we no wan gree for anybody’.
“We are taking the right steps and we'll follow through.”
He also spoke in support of the Super Eagles coach, maintaining that Jose Peseiro knows what he wants.
