Cote d'Ivoire, Mali no threat to Nigeria -Vogts

Abuja, Nigeria - Ahead of the 26th edition of the African Cup of Nations in Ghana 20 January to 10 February 2008, Nigeria's coach Berti Vogts has declared that Mali and Cote d'Ivoire will not pose any threat to the Super Eagles.

``I'm not bothered about the big names that Cote d' Ivoire and Mali parade. They play in big teams in Europe but that cannot intimidate us,'' Vogts told journalists in the capital city of Abuja Tuesday, after announcing a provisional team of 31 players for the competition.


Nigeria is grouped alongside Mali, Cote d'Ivoire and Benin in the preliminary stage of the competition


Vogts said the four international friendlies played by the Eagles had helped to prepare them for the Nations Cup.


``I can tell you that I know my first 11 for the Nations Cup, even now,'' he said

He said the inclusion of some Under 17 and Under 23 players in the 31- man list for the tournament was to give them the necessary exposure.


Vogts directed all 31 invited players to report to the Malaga camp (Spain) on or before 6 January 2008.


He also weighed in on the controversy over the release of invited Super Eagles members playing professionally in Europe, saying ``We will not hesitate to write FIFA to invoke sanctions against any club that fails to release them.''