By Ben Wyatt BBC Sport, London

Dickson Etuhu is hoping to cement his position with the Super Eagles

"The team is buzzing because we are going to Ghana, but we're not bothered it's our rivals' home turf," Etuhu said.

"Football is football and when the whistle goes everybody is in the same situation," the 25-year-old added.

"We're concentrating on getting what we do right, if we do that I think the side will do very well."

I'm sure we can handle the expectation - I know I can Nigeria's Dickson Etuhu

Nigeria have not appeared in the final since 2000, when Nigeria and Ghana co-hosted the tournament.

However, the former Norwich City player feels this bodes well for the Super Eagles' chances in 2008 where they are one of the favourites.

"There is always pressure in football but I'm sure our players can deal with that because we have many players from the Premier League and other top divisions from around Europe.

"I think we have more top flight players than any other team there and I'm sure we can handle the expectation - I know I can," Etuhu added.

Nigeria will take on Mali, Benin and Ivory Coast in Group B next year at the Nations Cup and could face hosts Ghana in the quarter finals if both teams finish top of their respective groups.