DICKSON ETUHU is preparing for his first taste of international competition as Nigeria kick-off their African Cup of Nations campaign tomorrow.
The Sunderland midfielder is in ACN host country Ghana with the Super Eagles squad getting ready for their opening Group B game against the Ivory Coast.
Nigeria – whose squad also includes the likes of Portsmouth’s Kanu and John Utaka, Everton’s Yakubu and Joseph Yobo, Newcastle’s Obafemi Martins and Chelsea’s John Obi Mikel – are one of the pre-tournament favourites and Etuhu is looking forward to the competition.
He said: “I’m really looking forward to it.
“I’ve got a little injury but I still got selected so it’s good.
“It’s a fantastic experience and I can’t wait for the first game.
“We’re second favourites to Ivory Coast but, at this stage, everyone is as strong as each other so it’s not going to be easy.”
Etuhu has not featured for Sunderland since the win over Bolton at the Stadium of Light at the end of 2007 and the ACN will keep him out of action until at least the end of January and, depending on how Nigeria fare, possibly until mid-February.
But Etuhu is convinced that Sunderland will cope just fine without him and continue to make headway in their battle against relegation.
He said: “Obviously players are going to want to represent their countries in such a big tournament and I’m sure their club managers understand that.
“But I’m sure Sunderland will be able to cope without me. We have a lot of midfielders.
“We are in a relegation battle but we won’t get relegated, I’m sure of that.
“We’ve got a decent squad and I know the manager is planning to bring in some new players.
“For now, I’m thinking of the African Cup of Nations, although I’m really looking forward to getting back with Sunderland.”
Nigeria’s other group games see them take on Mali on Friday and Benin a week on Tuesday.
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