The home-based Super Eagles have set their sights on winning their first African Nations Championship, kicking off this weekend in Rwanda.  Nigeria will play in Group  C with Tunisia, Niger Republic and Guinea. Their opening game will be on Monday, January 18, against Niger in Kigali.

Though the team will be without league hotshot Gbolahan Salami, who pulled out in anticipation of a transfer to Europe,  and U23 star Etebo Oghenekaro, who was not called up, the team still boast quality.

Warri Wolves central midfielder Bartholomew ‘Mosquito’ Ibenegbu has proved his class in the team despite being drafted after the qualifiers, while Ifeanyi Matthew from El Kanemi Warriors has caught the eye in training camp in Pretoria, South Africa, will his whole-hearted contributions from midfield.

The team will count on Sunshine Stars striker Tunde Adeniji and the clever Chisom ‘Kolanut Boy’ Chikatara for goals in Rwanda. Both players have recovered from muscle injuries. Eagles left back Chris Madaki said they are well prepared and have all it takes to be champions.

“Though winning the title will be tough because it’s a competition and every team aspire to be winner, I don’t expect easy games but we our determination and preparation and God on our side, by His grace we will be the champions.” “Everybody here in camp is in good spirit and form. Every player here is great and we are ready for the task ahead of us in Rwanda. I am so happy that we are all at our best,” he said.