Bright Osayi-Samuel says the Super Eagles must be prepared for a tough 2023 Africa Cup of Nations campaign.

Despite their relatively favorable group draw, Osayi-Samuel believes it’s always wise to respect the competition and every team.

The Super Eagles have been drawn against tournament hosts Ivory Coast, Equatorial Guinea and Guinea Bissau in Group A.

“I think every team is difficult,” the right-back told Naija Football.

Nigeria have been tagged as one of the pre-tournament favorites, alongside holders Senegal, Egypt and 2022 World Cup semi finalists Morocco.

Bright Osayi-Samuel stressed the need for Eagles to have a strong mindset and thorough preparation for the 2023 AFCON campaign.

“We are playing in a tournament, so everybody will be looking to beat Nigeria because of the weight we bring and how big of a footballing nation we are and the team we have. So every game will be hard.”

Jose Peseiro’s side will start their quest for fourth AFCON title against Equatorial Guinea at the Alhassan Quattara Stadium on January 14.​

The three-time African champions will face Ivory Coast in their second game four days later, before wrapping up group campaign against Djurtus of Guinea-Bissau on January 22.