Pre-match presser: Nduka on leadership role, facing Sudan, Super Eagles' Group D opponents

Super Eagles B captain Nduka Junior has expressed confidence in the team’s ability to bounce back from their opening defeat as they prepare for a crucial 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) Group D encounter against Sudan.

Nigeria must win to keep their hopes of advancing alive after a narrow 1-0 loss to defending champions Senegal in their first match.

"Because we want to take each game as they come. Now we are facing Sudan and as for the previous game you talked about, Zimbabwe, it’s just a setback, not a disaster,” Nduka said at the pre-match press conference. 

"After the game against Zimbabwe, we went to the Unity Cup to prove a point, which we came out as champions.

"So it shows we are working towards correcting every mistake we’ve made in the past and making sure we see what we can do to make things right."

Reflecting on his leadership role, Nduka described representing Nigeria in such a prestigious tournament as a special honour.

"As captain of the team, leading the nation and representing the nation in a big tournament like this, it’s a privilege for me to be here among the best legs in the country," he stated.

The 22-year-old also spoke about the calibre of opposition Nigeria is facing in Group D.

"To play against countries like Senegal and Sudan — these are teams that are top class in their leagues and in their countries.

"They’ve been doing well, so it’s a privilege for me," he said.

Nduka, who has been instrumental in rallying his teammates after their opening defeat, admitted the opportunity to compete at this level is something he deeply values.

"It’s an amazing feeling for me to be here," he concluded.

Nigeria will face Sudan knowing that anything less than victory could end their CHAN campaign prematurely, while a win would keep them firmly in contention heading into their final group match.

Wale Adejumo 

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