Nigeria U23 Skipper Azubuike Okechukwu On Playing For Super Eagles, AFCON Chances

Rizespor star Azubuike Okechukwu is eager to play for the Super Eagles and reckons that he has some of the qualities needed to be a senior national team player.

The central midfielder had been considered for the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Seychelles and friendly with Egypt two months ago but his services were needed by Nigeria U23 boss Imama Amapakabo.

''Normally the next level should be the Super Eagles, that is my dream actually, to represent my country in that level. That is the highest level in Nigeria,'' Okechukwu told SuperSport Naija Made on Saturday morning.

''For me I pray every day and I dream to be in that team, to show the little of what I have.''

The Africa Cup of Nations begins next month in Egypt, with the Super Eagles facing Burundi, Guinea and Madagascar in Group B.

Speaking about Nigeria's chances, Okechukwu said : ''Looking at our group, it is not an easy one because we don't have underdogs anymore.

''For me, we have a wonderful squad, top players playing in Europe and everywhere, so we should go there with the strength, zeal.

''I strongly believe we will win every game in our group in the first round and then we talk about the second round''.

Okechukwu's solitary appearance for the Super Eagles was against Egypt in an AFCON qualifier in March 2016.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel