Niger coach Gernot Rohr wants to capitalize on his teamââ¬â¢s hunger for success to cause a major upset at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Menas are overwhelming outsiders at the tournament that kicks off on January 19 in South Africa.
Niger are drawn in a tough group Group B alongside Ghana. Mali and DR Congo.
Most of their players are home based with a few scattered across the lower tiers in Europe.
The German trainer however refuses to give in to the relative inexperience of his team as a disadvantage against sides with more established players in Group B.
"If it is a disadvantage, it is something that we can change into an advantage,â⬠he insisted.
ââ¬ÅWe are a real team without any stars. All players have the same goal and objective and there are no big egos involved.
ââ¬ÅThe players are highly motivated and the fact that all of them are keen to play for a big club, preferably in Europe, acts as a further motivating factor.ââ¬
Rohr though admitting to the herculean task of making it out of Group B, is not overralled by the challenge but says a good start against Mali is imperative t0 their success.
"It is a very difficult group. Even though we are huge outsiders we are not without hope of advancing,â⬠he adds.
ââ¬ÅWe are ranked only 30th in Africa, but we have also managed to climb 30 places in the world rankings, so everything will be possible.
ââ¬ÅOur first match against Mali will be very important and if we want to do well, a good start is paramount."
Niger will subsequently take on DR Congo and then finish their group campaign against four-time champions, Ghana.