"I know the calibre of players in the Super Eagles. And you know that anytime that we train together for a competition like we have done presently, it will be very hard for any team in Africa to beat us.

"That gives me enough confidence that nothing will disturb the team from winning the trophy for the third time after the triumphs in 1980 and 1994,'' he told PANA before departure.

The player added: "There is no problem in the team. The players are united in the resolve to win this trophy for third time and the Nigeria Football Association are doing their best to make sure that we are in the right conditions before the Competition starts. This is not an empty boast. The Super Eagles will win the Nations Cup.''

Okonkwo won his first cap for Nigeria in a Nations Cup qualifier against Lesotho in October 2006.

Nigeria is grouped alongside Cote d'Ivoire, Mali and Benin in the first round of the 20 January to 10 February competition.

The Super Eagles will play their first match against the Elephants of Cote d'Ivoire 21 January in Sekondi.