CHAN 2014: Eagles Can Win in South Africa, But a Friendly Against Ethiopia Is Crucial – NFF

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) expressed optimism that the home-based Super Eagles could win the upcoming African Nations Championship in South Africa.

Mr. Sanusi Mohammed, the Director of Competitions, stated this in Abuja on January 3, 2014, Friday.

He said that Nigeria would not assist other teams to win in the competition, but would rather make impact.

“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,” Mr. Sanusi Mohammed stated.

Mr. Mohammed further 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 of Competitions added.

Mr. Mohammed added that the team’s friendly match against Ethiopina would further boost their morale and prepare them more for the tournament.

The Super Eagles will take on the Walya Antelopes of Ethiopia in an international friendly match at the Abuja National Stadium on January 4, 2014, Saturday.

It would be recalled that the Super Eagles would be making their first appearance in the continental championshipexclusively with players playing the country’s domestic league.

The third edition of CHAN will take place in three South African cities from January 11 to February 1, 2014.

Nigeria has been drawn in Group A with host South Africa, Mali and Mozambique.

The home-based Super Eagles Nigeria will start their campaign at the tournament against Mali on January 11, 2014, Saturday, at the Cape Town Stadium, and then face Mozambique four days later at the same venue.

The last group game against the hosts, South Africa, is set for January 19, 2014, Sunday, at the Cape Town Stadium.