Young Boys defender, Zachary Athekame has expressed confidence ahead of his team’s UEFA Champions League clash against Italian giants Inter Milan tonight.

The Switzerland-born full-back, who is eligible to represent Nigeria, aims to lead his side to an inspiring win at home.

Athekame, 19, joined Young Boys last summer from Neuchâtel Xamax and has quickly become a key part of the squad. Despite his Swiss background, his Nigerian descent keeps the door open for a potential future with the Super Eagles.

The youngster is relishing the challenge of facing top players like Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram.

“We are facing a big team with big names. When I think of Lautaro Martinez or Marcus Thuram in attack, I know that we will have to face an enormous amount of quality. Having said that, we will have ambition, we want to fight hard.”

Determined to win, Athekame believes the match offers more than just three points—it could be a turning point for Young Boys after two tough losses to Barcelona and Bayern Munich in their earlier group-stage games.

“When I step onto a football pitch, I always do so with the intention of winning. We were all aware that in our situation we absolutely have to get the three points.

I hope that the victory will trigger something, which can give us momentum and confidence,” he added.

While Athekame recently made his debut for Switzerland’s U-23 side in September 2023, he remains eligible to play for Nigeria at the senior level. His performances in matches like these will undoubtedly attract attention from both national teams.

Young Boys will be hoping to use home advantage to cause an upset and reignite their Champions League campaign after a rocky start.