Super Eagles can win 2018 CHAN – Solomon Kwambe

Solomon Kwambe is optimistic that Nigeria can emerge as champions of the 2018 African Nations Champions after qualifying for the semi-finals.

Gabriel Okechukwu’s extra-time winner handed the Super Eagles a place in the last four after Anthony Okpotu had levelled Vladimiro Felix’s opener at the death.

This is the second time Nigeria will be reaching this stage – when they were beaten by Ghana on penalties in South Africa 2014 before picking up a third-place medal.

And the defender who featured in the 2013 Fifa Confederations Cup insists the team are favourites to lift the coveted trophy after surviving Angola scare.

“You know after the game [against Angola], I told my friends that Nigeria will win the tournament,” Kwambe told Goal.

“After our quarter-final victory, expectations are high and I think this is a better time to emerge as champions because of our fighting spirit.”

Zdravko Logarusić’s men are made up of players from Al-Hilal Club and Al-Merrikh SC, and the 24-year-old feels that does not make the Falcons of Jediane outstanding favourites.

“Football is played on the field and not by statistics,” he continued.

“90 minutes or more will decide. All I want the Super Eagles to do is have a total concentration in all departments and stay focused.

“With that and luck on our side, we will reach the final.”

Victory in at Stade de Marrakech on Wednesday will see Salisu Yusuf’s men through to the final for the first time. There, they will face the winner between Morocco and Libya for the title.