Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi has warned against complacency ahead of Nigeria's opening match of the Africa Cup of Nations, insisting that no team at the tournament should be underestimated as the three-time champions prepare to face Tanzania in their group opener.

The Super Eagles go into the clash against the Taifa Stars as clear favourites, having won four of their seven previous meetings with the East Africans, with the remaining three encounters ending in draws.

Ndidi highlighted that the Africa Cup of Nations has a reputation for its unpredictability and qualification alone is proof of the quality of the teams.

The Besiktas midfielder made it clear that the Super Eagles are in Morocco to compete for the trophy and complacency has no place in their mindset.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Ndidi said: " Every country that has qualified for the Afcon will not be underrated.

"They are capable of also competing for the trophy, but we as Nigerians, we have come to contend. We are not just here to compete, we are here to contend."

It will be Ndidi’s first major tournament leading the national team as captain, and he revealed that his motivation comes from both within the squad and from the expectations of Nigerians back home and abroad.

"To be honest, inspiration comes from the team and from Nigerians, what we’ve gone through before and what we are expecting now.

"So the inspiration is what we have at hand and what we are going to do. We just focus on this Afcon  and we’ll see what is next.”

Nigeria are expected to enjoy strong support in Morocco, with fans travelling from home and members of the Nigerian student community already securing tickets for the match. 

On his message to the supporters, Ndidi stated: "The only thing I have to say is for them to come, enjoy the game and just have fun with it, because it is going to be an interesting game.

"The guys are ready, we are really focused on this game, which is the most important because it is the game at hand."

Nigeria's long-serving midfielder Ndidi is expected to feature in his 12th Africa Cup of Nations game against Tanzania. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel