EXCLUSIVE: Nigeria must turn World Cup pain into AFCON motivation, says Genk’s Akpan

[p]The [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/nigeria/EBE2Xb3l/"]Super Eagles[/a] will be targeting early qualification for the continental showpiece, but must first negotiate two difficult fixtures against [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/madagascar/88OzY9OB/"]Madagascar[/a] and [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/guinea-bissau/0rJs9H8F/"]Guinea-Bissau[/a].[/p][p][a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/chelle-eric/vFeFaT0s/"]Eric Chelle[/a]’s side will host the Barea [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/game/soccer/madagascar-88OzY9OB/nigeria-EBE2Xb3l/?mid=dS6bdM1S"]in Uyo on Friday[/a] before [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/game/soccer/guinea-bissau-0rJs9H8F/nigeria-EBE2Xb3l/?mid=hWcNCsn9"]travelling to Estadio Nacional 24 de Setembro[/a] to face the Dromedaries.[/p][p]Despite the challenges posed by both opponents, the [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/genk/r3jWUIiN/"]Genk[/a] star believes the three-time African champions have enough quality to secure the results they need.[/p][p][b]“Missing the World Cup was painful for everyone, especially the players and fans. That is why this AFCON is really important,”[/b] [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/akpan-christian/2HhkYQYo/"]Akpan[/a] told [b]Flashscore.com.[/b][/p][p]“We have to put that disappointment behind us and fight for the country. Hopefully, we can give the fans something positive to celebrate.[/p][p][b]“Looking at our chances against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, I believe we have a strong team with quality players who are capable of getting the results we need.”[/b][/p][embed guid="9dcad4f6-6014-422c-b9ee-5e39c6cc9d0e" url="https://x.com/NGSuperEagles/status/2103166640703603178" social-type="twitter" /][h2]Akpan warns against underestimating opponents [/h2][p][b]“For me, consistency, unity and concentration will be very important because, in these types of games, small details can make a big difference,”[/b] he added.[/p][p]“We need to be disciplined, stay focused for the full 90 minutes, trust the game plan and remain patient. With the quality we have, the opportunities will come.[/p][p][b]“Having played and trained alongside some of the players, I know the quality and determination within the squad, but we also have to respect both opponents. [/b][/p][p]“Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau are teams that can make things difficult if you give them opportunities.[/p][p][b]“We must approach each game with the right mentality and concentration. We cannot afford to underestimate anyone. We need to stay focused against both opponents and make sure we do not drop points.”[/b][/p][h2]'It is difficult to watch from the sidelines'[/h2][p]Akpan made his Super Eagles debut against [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/portugal/WvJrjFVN/"]Portugal[/a] in June but will miss Nigeria’s crucial 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau due to a hamstring injury.[/p][p]The 21-year-old suffered the setback during a Belgian top-flight clash against Zulte Waregem and is expected to return to action for Jess Thorup’s side after the international break.[/p][p]The defender admitted his frustration at missing out on Chelle’s latest squad but insists he will still cheer his teammates on to victory. [/p][p]Akpan continued: [b]“It is definitely difficult to watch the Super Eagles from the sidelines. Representing Nigeria means a lot to me, so being ruled out because of injury is very frustrating. I understand injuries are part of football, though.[/b][/p][p]“For me, the most important thing now is to focus on my recovery, get back to full fitness and, of course, continue supporting the Super Eagles from behind.”[/p][p]Nigeria will be aiming to collect maximum points from both matches as they begin their journey towards the 2027 AFCON, which will be jointly hosted by [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/kenya/CIAJw1QK/"]Kenya[/a], [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/tanzania/KzAbFwJ7/"]Tanzania[/a] and [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/uganda/hnw06lwh/"]Uganda[/a].[/p]