IVORY Coast and Bafana Bafana are in dreamland if they hope to clinch the 29th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations finals.
Speaking after their 2-0 win over Ethiopia at Royal Bafokeng Stadium on Tuesday night to qualify for the quarterfinals, Nigeria striker Emmanuel Emenike said they were equally hungry to end their Afcon title drought.
The Super Eagles last won the Afcon title back in 1994 in Tunisia with their current coach Stephen Keshi serving as captain.
"The game against Ethiopia was our toughest to date in this tournament. They are a good team but we played as a unit to advance to the knockout stages," said Emenike, who has scored twice in this tournament.
"The focus is now on the quarterfinal match against Ivory Coast here in Rustenburg on Sunday. It's one hell of a game that everybody has been waiting for. We are going to recharge our batteries after the win over Ethiopia.
"Ivory Coast have an array of big-name stars, but names do not play. It's all about commitment on the day. They have top players like Yaya Toure, Didier Drogba, Gervinho and Didier Zokora but we are ready. As a team we have been watching all their games; they have not been impressive," said the former Mpumalanga Black Aces striker who is now based in Russia.
Ivory Coast are chasing their first Afcon title after 21 years, while Bafana, who meet Mali in their quarterfinal in Durban on Saturday, won it on home soil in 1996.
Emenike said: "Just like Ivory Coast, Bafana Bafana are in for a big surprise if they think they will reclaim the title.
"The title is going to Nigeria this time round. We will definitely be in the final on February 10 (at the National Stadium) and will be crowned winners."
Nigeria's Class of 1994 included Keshi's assistant Daniel Amokachi, Emmanuel Amunike, Sunday Oliseh and Jay Jay Okocha.
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