Nigeria Football Federation president, Amaju Pinnick has targeted the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations as the Super Eagles’ main priority.
Nigeria has claimed the AFCON three previous times, with their most recent triumph arriving in 2013, when a team led by the late Stephen Keshi won the trophy in South Africa.
Speaking at the weekend in Lagos, Pinnick insists a fourth continental title is overdue especially considering the talent at Nigeria’s disposal.
“There are so many competitions this year and we intend to, as usual, put our best foot forward in each and everyone of them,” said the NFF boss.
“The target always is to emerge victorious. However, the very big one that we do not want to miss is the AFCON title.
“We have won it three times but we want it for a fourth time so that we can close the gap with the likes of Egypt and Cameroon.”
Egypt, the hosts for the 2019 tournament, have won the AFCON a record seven times, while Cameroon secured their fifth trophy when they triumphed at the last edition in 2017.
“The NFF will work with the technical crew to achieve an excellent preparation of the Super Eagles for the tournament. Everything legitimate would be done to ensure the Super Eagles triumph in Egypt,” continued Pinnick, who added that preparation will begin in March with the final qualifier against the Seychelles and a friendly with Egypt.
“The match against Seychelles will serve as the beginning of our preparations for the AFCON 2019, to be followed four days later by a friendly against the Egyptian national team at the same venue.
“The team would likely play two matches during its final training camp before the AFCON finals.”
Packaged by Lanre Olabisi
