Former Super Eagles defense stalwart, Pastor Taribo West has called on players of the national team not to look down on group opponents, especially Madagascar, as most of them are having professional football players who understand the gameplay for clubs across the globe.

Of the Super Eagles’ three opponents in the group stage, Madagascar and Burundi are debutants, while Guinea, who picked silver ahead of Nigeria at the league-format 1976 AFCON in Ethiopia, are making their 12th appearance.

Nigeria is going for their 18th appearance.

Speaking to www.brila.net, Pastor West however pointed out that experience would be key in helping the Eagles players navigate their group to the next round.

“There is no more weak team, and mist if them having professional players playing abroad”.

“None of them have learned professionalism so it will be very difficult for us”.

“Experience, however, is your side, but there are no weak teams or countries you would want to look down on”.

The two top –placed teams in each group, as well as the best four third-placed teams, will qualify for the knock-out rounds.