By Francis Ajuonuma
Three-time African champions, the Super Eagles will depart for Cameroon Wednesday for the 33rd Africa Cup of Nations scheduled to kick off on January 9 with 24 teams participating.
According to Super Eagles media officer, Babafemi Raji, the 28-man squad will fly straight to Garoua, where all their group D matches will be decided. Garoua is the capital of the North Region of Cameroon and shares a border with Adamawa.
The Super Eagles will open their campaign on January 11 against seven-time champions, Pharaohs of Egypt, their second match will be against Sudan on January 15 and on January 19 they will round up their group fixture against Guinea-Bissau.
Meanwhile, interim manager of the Super Eagles, Augustine Eguavoen has urged Nigerians to have faith in the team as he believes he has picked the right players to challenge for the title in Cameroon.
“We’ve picked the best players available, and I want Nigerians to have faith in the team. Is a mixture of youth and experienced players ready to put in their best?
“We’re going to Cameroon not just to participate but to be very competitive. With hard work on the part of the players and the support of Nigerians can challenge for the title.
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The former Gent of Belgium star also aimed a dig at Rangers star Leon Balogun for withdrawing from the Nigeria squad for the African Cup of Nations.
“Leon Balogun, we spoke, back injury. So be it. So we have to just alter the formation and how we approach the games as well but everybody in camp replaces someone who doesn’t matter.
“It is not a right to play for Nigeria, it is a privilege so this is green-white-green, you’re given an opportunity I think you should take it,” Eguavoen said.
