Super Eagles captain Mikel Obi has said he is “hungry” to a win a second AFCON title.
Mikel won his first AFCON winners’ medal six years ago in South Africa after bronze medals in 2006 and 2010.
In Egypt, he will lead a young team with the bulk of the players only making their first appearance at this stage of the competition.
“I am hungry to win. I come to win. If not, what’s the point?” Mikel declared in an interview.
“It will be a tough tournament, but we have quality players, we have trained well and so we have a good chance.”
He has been impressed with the young team who have forged ahead after an early exit at last year’s World Cup in Russia.
“There’s a lot of young players in the team, that’s very good, that means a lot of energy in the team.
“We have some incredibly talented young players like (Samuel) Chukwueze and Paul (Onuachu).
“They have to get experience and good enough the coach has given them the opportunity.
“Hopefully, we are in Egypt to fight because we want to do great things.”
The former Chelsea star made his Eagles debut in August 2005 against Libya and he has now hinted this tournament may well be his last with the national team.
“May be it’s my last one,” he said.
“I’m not sure yet, but at some point you have to let go. I don’t want to overstay my welcome.
“Let’s hope we can make it count.”