By Eddie Akalonu

Super Eagles were very hopeful of making the African Nations Championship another victory outing for Nigeria as the squad left the country on Tuesday for South Africa.

Sunshine Stars’ Solomon Kwambe and Enugu Rangers’ Uzochukwu Uzoenyi spoke very positively of their chances shortly before the team’s departure, stressing  that they would participate to win and nothing short of that.

“We are going to South Africa to win and not to make up the numbers. The talking will be done on the field of play. We have trained very hard for this championship and by God’s grace, we will come out victorious,” said the defender.

He added that, “we have quality players that can play the competition and I’m confident we will conquer our opponents there.”

Uzoenyi too expressed similar optimism that the Eagles are battle ready. “First we have our eyes to make it to the last four. Although I cannot say firmly we will win the cup but once in the last four, the sky is the limit. We will endeavour to win because that is the reason for going to South Africa,” he added.

Nigeria is in Group A with Mali, Mozambique and will kick start the championship against Mali today in Cape Town. The African Nations Championship is for players in the various domestic leagues of Africa.