NIGERIA start their 2011 African Youth Championships campaign today against world champions Ghana and Nigeria coach John Obuh believes his charges have the aptitude to win the continental event.
The neighbours meet at Dobsonville Stadium at 12pm today.
"Our preparations went very well and we are going to take each game as it comes," Obuh said.
"Our first mission is to reach the second-round and this is possible.
"We have a lot of respect for all the teams in the tournament and we are happy to be back in the land that hosted the first World Cup on the African continent."
Nigeria have dropped two key players from the list for this tournament that has already been tarnished by allegations of age cheating - Mackson Ojobo and Gomo Onduku with Nigerian only saying this was for "technical reasons".
Nigeria, whose team include Dutch-based Ahmed Musa who plays for VVV Venlo, won the bronze medal at the 2010 World Youth Championships in Egypt.
The other match of the tournament taking place today will feature Cameroon against Gambia at the same venue at 3pm.
Acting Safa chief executive Pinky "Sister Boss" Lehoko has appealed to South Africans and foreign nationals based in the country to support the tournament.
"We have to continue showing the world that we are passionate about the beautiful game by attending all matches in support of football development."
Tournament director Russell Paul said: "All participating teams are in the country and proceeding well with their final preparations for the tournament.
"There is a buzz among all teams as they gear up for a semi-final spot to automatically qualify for the World Youth Championship in Colombia later this year.
"Entrance for the tournament is free and we urge South Africans to support this youth football spectacle in the teams' quest for that spot in the World Cup Finals" said Paul.
Free match tickets can be collected at Safa offices in Nasrec.
Bullish Nigeria sets sights on youth title
NIGERIA start their 2011 African Youth Championships campaign today against world champions Ghana and Nigeria coach John Obuh believes his charges have the aptitude to win the continental event.
The neighbours meet at Dobsonville Stadium at 12pm today.
"Our preparations went very well and we are going to take each game as it comes," Obuh said.
"Our first mission is to reach the second-round and this is possible.
"We have a lot of respect for all the teams in the tournament and we are happy to be back in the land that hosted the first World Cup on the African continent."
Nigeria have dropped two key players from the list for this tournament that has already been tarnished by allegations of age cheating - Mackson Ojobo and Gomo Onduku with Nigerian only saying this was for "technical reasons".
Nigeria, whose team include Dutch-based Ahmed Musa who plays for VVV Venlo, won the bronze medal at the 2010 World Youth Championships in Egypt.
The other match of the tournament taking place today will feature Cameroon against Gambia at the same venue at 3pm.
Acting Safa chief executive Pinky "Sister Boss" Lehoko has appealed to South Africans and foreign nationals based in the country to support the tournament.
"We have to continue showing the world that we are passionate about the beautiful game by attending all matches in support of football development."
Tournament director Russell Paul said: "All participating teams are in the country and proceeding well with their final preparations for the tournament.
"There is a buzz among all teams as they gear up for a semi-final spot to automatically qualify for the World Youth Championship in Colombia later this year.
"Entrance for the tournament is free and we urge South Africans to support this youth football spectacle in the teams' quest for that spot in the World Cup Finals" said Paul.
Free match tickets can be collected at Safa offices in Nasrec.
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