The captain of Nigeria’s home-based Super Eagles, Nduka Junior, has revealed that the team has no information about Zanzibar’s national side as they prepare to face them in an international friendly.
Speaking during a press conference on Sunday, Nduka admitted that while the team has enjoyed a very warm reception in Zanzibar, they are stepping into the match with limited knowledge about their opponents.
“No one is talking about them for now because we don’t know any information about them, and that’s how it is in camp,” he said.
Despite this, Nduka noted that the players are fully focused on improving their performance ahead of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), which begins in August.
Using Friendlies to Build Strength
Nigeria’s clash with Zanzibar on Monday, July 28, is the first of two friendly games lined up to help the squad fine-tune their tactics and fitness. The second match is set for Thursday, July 31.
Nduka explained that the friendlies are not just regular matches but vital steps in the team’s preparation for CHAN.
“This game is one of the games we play just to make sure we know our strength and our weaknesses,” the captain said.
He also praised the people of Zanzibar for their hospitality, calling the welcome “amazing” and adding, “I must confess they are very good people.”
Eyes on CHAN 2024 Group D
Nigeria is grouped with defending champions Senegal, Congo, and Sudan in Group D of the CHAN 2024 tournament. Their first match will be against Senegal on Wednesday, August 7, at Amman Stadium.
The team, coached by Éric Chelle, began training in Ikenne, Ogun State, before arriving in Zanzibar on Friday to continue their preparation.
Although the players do not know much about Zanzibar’s playing style or formation, the Super Eagles are taking the friendly seriously as they sharpen their focus for a tough tournament ahead.
