Changchun Yatai of China striker, Odion Jude Ighalo has come out with a daring declaration that he and his teammates in the Super Eagles are ready to win the Africa Cup of Nations next year, wherever it is played.
Footballlive.ng reports that Confederation of African Football (CAF) is set to name a new host nation for AFCON 2019 on 9th of January, after withdrawing the hosting right from Cameroon.
Before the announcement is made, Ighalo says anywhere the finals are staged, Nigeria would be ready to contest strongly for the diadem.
Ighalo expressed confidence that three time champions can make a big impact at the 32nd edition scheduled for next summer.
A five-goal haul by Ighalo over three days, home and away against Libya in October, propelled the Eagles to top place in Group E of the qualifiers.
A 1-1 draw away to South Africa in November eventually sealed a place for Nigeria and a return to AFCON, after missing the past two editions, but Ighalo believes the Eagles can win it again, after doing so in 2013.
Ighalo stressed: “Whether the championship is held in Egypt or South Africa, we will be ready.
“We have the advantage of having been together for sometime now, with the bulk of the team having played at the World Cup.
“Qualifying for the AFCON made us believe very much in our ability and the Nigerian Spirit is always there to propel us in difficult times.
“We are all aware of what Nigerians expect from us. We will prepare hard and strive to deliver.”
