8th January, 2014
The Super Eagles completed the first leg of their journey to their base in South Africa, as they begin the campaign in their first participation at the African Nations Championship, CHAN.
The 23-man squad except manager Stephen Keshi arrived South Africa early today, and immediately connected the flight to Cape Town where they will play their Group matches. The flight to the beautiful coastal city lasted two hours.
Meanwhile, midfielder Ugonna Uzochukwu has assured that the team will deliver the CHAN title to Nigerians on 1 February.
The Eagles are in Group A with the hosts, South Africa, Mali and Mozambique. The Nigerians will kick start their title campaign against West African foes, Mali in Cape Town on Saturday.
Uzochukwu, who sounded confident, said his side though debutants at the biennial football fiesta will not comeback without the Chan trophy.
“We won’t leave South Africa without the CHAN title. I want Nigerians to take the assurance home and be rest assured we’ll deliver the trophy on 1 February.
“We’ve prepared adequately for the championship and I’m confident the players carefully selected by the coaches will certainly deliver the goods at the appropriate time.
“Right now we just need the prayers and support of Nigerians to excel believing that other factors will work in our favour,” the Enugu Rangers defensive midfielder told supersport.com.
Uzochukwu scored in the 2-1 defeat of the Walya Antelopes of Ethiopia in the Super Eagles’ last test match in Abuja before Tuesday night’s departure to South Africa for the Chan title campaign.
Tunisia are the title holders of the championship last held in Sudan in 2011.