''AFCON Win not a fluke''-Keshi has big dreams for Confederations Cup challenge
Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi says the Super Eagles will be
intent on lifting the Confederations Cup when they travel to Brazil in
June following their qualification for the global event for the first time
Nigeria face Tahiti, Uruguay and Spain in Brazil, which will use the event as preparation to host the 2014 World Cup and will compete in Group B, host nation Brazil will take on Italy, Mexico and Japan in Group A.
But Keshi is confident his side, who won their third Nations Cup crown in Johannesburg on Sunday, can fulfil African hopes and go all the way.
"The Super Eagles will prove to the rest of the world that what happened in South Africa wasn't a fluke," added the former Nigeria captain, who won the Nations Cup as a player in 1994.
“It's the biggest tournament that we are going to play”
"They will call us dreamers but
you don't go into a tournament without the strong desire and ambition to
win it. We will represent Africa and not just Nigeria."
The former Mali and Togo coach also revealed that when
he originally told his squad that they had every chance of competing in
Brazil in June, the players were highly sceptical of their manager's
predictions.
"While preparing the team, I had my eyes set on Brazil," he explained. "I was confident we would get there but my players felt I was drunk or acting like a comedian - now they believe."
The competition also provides striker Emmanuel Emenike with a chance to shine again on the highest stage.
The joint-top scorer from the Nations Cup missed Sunday's final through injury but revealed that Keshi offered him consolation at the time with a prediction.
"The coach told me I shouldn't worry about the final - that the guys would win the final - and I should wait for the Confederations Cup," he said.
"I think this team is going places."
Meanwhile, young defender Kenneth Omeruo - who is on loan at Dutch side Den Haag from European champions Chelsea - is thrilled by the prospect of competing against some of the world's best teams.
"It's the biggest tournament that we are going to play, so I am very much looking forward to that," gushes the 19 year old.
I love Keshi's confidence,he talks big,like an optimist,he should try his hand at public speaking after retirement :)
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