Former Super Eagles, John Mikel Obi says the team needs to win the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, for its reputation.

Mikel was a member of the squad that won the 2013 edition of the AFCON, but the Super Eagles has reached the semi-final only once since that time.

The three-time African Champions are going into the tournament on the back of two disappointing results against Zimbabwe and Lesotho during the FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Despite the set back, Mikel however feels that Jose Peseiro’s side is among the top teams.

“We are always favourites, this is every time we go into the tournament and it’s no different this time,” the former Midfielder told CAFonline.

“Everyone knows that we are one of the favourites – not the massive favourite but definitely one of the favourites.”

The former Chelsea and Trabzonspor star says winning the tournament would be a massive achievement for Jose Peseiro’s side.

“To be able to do it again will be a massive achievement for us which I think the country needs right now as well.

“We need to get our football back where it should be and by winning this tournament, it will take it back to where it should be”, said Mikel.​

Nigeria will face host, Cote D’Ivoire as well as Guinea Bissau and Equatorial Guinea in Group A.

Meanwhile, Jose Peseiro is expected to name his final squad for the tournament on January 3.