George Shitta, the Taraba Director of Sports, on Wednesday, in Abuja, tipped the Super Eagles to play in the finals of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) competition in Cameroon.

The Super Eagles defeated Egypt 1-0 in the opening match of Group D game on Tuesday in Garoua, Cameroon.

Shitta in an interview that defeating Egypt was an obstacle removed from the Eagles` way.

“The Egyptian team is a giant and we are all happy as a country for defeating them.

“There is no doubt that the eagles will defeat Sudan. I don’t see the Sudanese as a threat, but that does not mean that the team should relax.

“This is just the beginning of the job, it is not yet time for the team to rejoice. Our team must continue with this winning spirit in their subsequent matches, “he said.

Shitta congratulated the Super Eagles coach, Austin Eguaveon for showing his experience, which yielded a positive result.

“I urge Eguaveon and the technical crew to start preparing immediately for their next game; in football currently there is no small team.

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“They need to fortify every department and ensure that no stone is left unturned. We are praying for them as a nation, we believe in them to make us proud and they will not disappoint us,” he said.

He advised the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to be prudent in utilising the country`s resources and avoid wasting money on foreign coaches for the national teams.

“I’m very optimistic that Nigeria can win the 2021 AFCON because we have everything it takes to win the trophy,” he said.

Nigeria will play Sudan in their second match on Saturday by 4pm, while Egypt will take on Guinea-Bissua by 7pm in the tournament, which began on Jan.9 and would end on Feb.6. (NAN)