Sunday Oliseh
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Allwell Okpi
Nigeria coach Sunday Oliseh has expressed optimism that his team would do well at fourth edition of the African Nations Championship holding in Rwanda from January 16 to February 7. He however gave an indication that he was wary of the Tunisians.
Super Eagles B are in Group C alongside Tunisia, Niger and Guinea in the tournament, which is meant for players in the home leagues of the 16 participating countries.
AFP quoted Oliseh as saying he was not worried about their group opponents but noted that Tunisia, whose squad contains many of the stars who helped Etoile Sahel beat Orlando Pirates of South Africa in the 2015 CAF Confederation Cup final, would be tough.
“There is nothing to worry about in our group. We will start with a victory against Niger and top the standings. Our players compete in a leading African national championship and I believe we have what it takes to go all the way,” he said.
“Tunisia have a strong domestic league and many of the CHAN squad also play in the Cup of Nations.”
Meanwhile, the Nigerian contingent, made up of 23 players and 12 officials, landed at the Kigali International Airport on Friday.
The Eagles spent two weeks perfecting pre-Championship strategies and tactics at the High Performance Centre in Pretoria, South Africa.
“We have arrived. Everyone is in the mood and there is robust self-belief among the players. They are rearing to go,” Super Eagles’ Media Officer, Toyin Ibitoye told thenff.com.
The team would stay at the Hill View Hotel in Kigali – the same hotel where the Super Eagles A stayed for a 2013 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against the Amavubi four years ago.
The Eagles will play the Mena of Niger in their first match of the campaign at the Stade Regional de Nyamirambo, Kigali on Monday. The match will kick off by 6pm Rwanda time (4pm Nigeria time).
Nigeria will also play Tunisia – champions of the second edition of the competition in Sudan five years ago – at the same Stade Regional de Nyamirambo on Friday, January 22, before traveling to Gisenyi to play Guinea at the Rubavu Stadium on Tuesday, January 26.