Nigeria Under-20 captain Fortune Chukwudi wants to avoid Ghana in the Group stage of next year's African Youth Championship in Libya.
The 18-year-old believes the Black Satellites are among three countries he would like the Flying Eagles to play at the later stage of the competition.
Cameroun and Egypt are also considered to strong sides at the championship.
''We are not scared of any team but it is only wise to play the strongest teams in the latter stages of the competition,'' Chukwudi told SuperSport.com.
''Those countries have a good track record in this competition so all the teams will be looking to avoid them. If we meet them, fine but it is better to play them later on in the competition.
''I also think the other sides will be strong. It is not easy to qualify for this competition so any side that makes it to this stage should be treated with respect."
Ghana won the last edition of the championship in Rwanda.
Gambia, Lesotho, Mali and the hosts complete the list of qualified countries for the draw later this month.
The 2011 edition of the tournament will hold in Libya by18 March-1 April.