Abuja - The Nigeria Football Association (NFA) on Friday in Abuja expressed optimism that the home-based Super Eagles could win the forthcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN) in South Africa even as debutant.
NFA’s Director of Competitions, Sanusi Mohammed, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that Nigeria would not assist other teams to win in the competition but would rather make impact.
NAN reports that the Super Eagles would be making their first appearance in the continental championship exclusively with players playing the country’s domestic league.
The tournament which is in its third edition will hold in three South African cities from Jan. 11 to Feb. 1
`` Being the first time does not matter, because, Nigeria is going there to lift the trophy (because) we have the players that can do the country proud.
``And we are not going there as spectators neither are we going there to give people points to assist them in winning the competition.
``We are going there to fight and make sure that we do the country proud.
Mohammed, however, noted that the absence of some of the key players would not affect the team because the coach had got replacements for them.
``I watched their training several times and some of the friendly matches they played. I saw a team that has significantly improved from the match they played in Port Harcourt and then the one they played against Kano Pillars.
``The team has improved significantly, (but) the only problem is that some of the key players of the Super Eagles may not take part in the competition, players like Sunday Mba who has travelled out and (Mohammed) Gambo who has sustained injury.
``But the coach has invited new crop of players and I think they are integrating very well in the team.
``So, we hope to do very well in the championship.
The director added that the team’s friendly match against the Walya Antelopes of Ethiopia on Saturday would further boost their morale and prepare them more for the tournament.
NAN reports that the Super Eagles will take on their Ethiopian counterpart in an international friendly match on Saturday Jan. 4 at the Abuja National Stadium.
``I am sure that by the time the Super Eagles will play their friendly match against Ethiopia, we will have a better team because it will boost their morale before the tournament starts.
``Also, with the match, the coach will have a better understanding of the players and how he will use them when the tournament starts,’’ Mohammed said.
NAN reports that Nigeria has been drawn in Group A with host South Africa, Mali and Mozambique.
Nigeria will start its campaign at the tournament against Mali on Jan. 11 at the Cape Town Stadium and face Mozambique four days later at the same venue.
And they will tackle South Africa in the last group game on Jan. 19 also at the Cape Town Stadium.
=NAN
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