Guinea captain Ibrahima Traore has labelled Nigeria as the clear favourites in Group B of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, following the draw which was conducted this past Friday night.
The Super Eagles were placed in a pool alongside fellow West African nation Guinea, as well as debutants Madagascar and Burundi.
Traore, who plays his club football for Borussia Monchengladbach in the Bundesliga, believes one need look no further than Gernot Rohr’s team for the favourites in the group.
“At first glance, we already see who is the favorite. There is no need to delude yourself. Nigeria, with the power they have, the history they have,” Traore told foot224.com
“It’s a regular in the African Cup. They are even used to winning [Nigeria won the 2015 AFCON, their last appearance in the tournament]. A team that plays the World Cup. So, automatically, I think Nigeria is the favourite.”
On Madagascar and Burundi, Traore added, “Then there is us. As I heard, everyone is waiting for us to advance without worries.
“However, there is Madagascar and Burundi which I cannot talk about too much because they are two teams that I do not know well.
“These are teams that are not used to being at the AFCON but they are teams that have qualified and have had a lot of games to play and are there. It may be a surprise but it is not undeserved.”
Nigeria and Guinea will clash in their Group B meeting in Alexandria on June 26.