Enyimba FC goalkeeper John Noble says the Super Eagles will give their all to lift the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) despite the short time for preparation.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 2021 AFCON is slated for Cameroon from Jan. 9 to Feb. 6, 2022.
Noble, the only home-based player in the 28-man list released by interim Eagles coach Augustine Eguavoen disclosed this to NAN upon arrival in camp.
The shot stopper who was one of the three early birds to hit camp on Wednesday evening said more players are being expected before full training starts for the biennial football fiesta.
NAN reports that as at Friday morning only six players were in camp, as injuries had stopped some players from making it, with the NFF calling up late replacements.
Noble, however, said the atmosphere in camp was something to behold despite the few players in camp.
The 28-year old Enyimba safe hands said the goal for the team was to go a step better than the bronze medal won in Egypt in 2019 by going all the way to the finals in neighboring Cameroon.
“I strongly believe this time around we can go all the way (at the AFCON).
“I know with the caliber of players we have and the team chemistry and passion, I believe we can get to the finals of the AFCON in Cameroon, nothing except the finals, that’s our mission,” he declared.
He said despite the injury concerns, the team still has all it takes to take Africa by storm, since the team is still dominated by the same set of talented players that prosecuted the qualifiers.
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He stressed the need to give more home based players call-ups to the Super Eagles, as the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) was blessed with a lot of talent despite the challenges in the league.
The goalie called on Nigerians and all stakeholders to continue to support the Super Eagles as they strive to win the fourth AFCON title for the nation.
The Eagles are in Group D with record seven-time AFCON champions Egypt, Sudan and Guinea-Bissau.
Noble had a brief spell with Panthere Sportive of Nde of Cameroon in 2018 before joining Association Sportive Des Conducteurs De Kara (ASCK De Kara) FC where he won the Togolese Championnat National in 2019/2020.
He also played for Cynosure FC of Abakaliki before joining Enyimba FC of Aba.(NAN)
