- Super Eagles Relish Team Spirit, Confidence
Akanimo Kufre Reporting Live From Uyo
As the world expects Nigeria to become the first African country to qualify for Russia 2019 World Cup this weekend, the Super Eagles have been reminded to protect their pedigree by not letting down their guard at any moment.
While the excitement of qualification and euphoria of past victories dominated discussion, football analysts have warned the Nigerian team to remain cautious at proceedings with Chipolopolo of Zambia this Saturday at The Nest of Champions, Uyo.
Recall the Eagles’ last home loss in Uyo where the Nigerian team was over-hyped against the poorly rated Bafana Bafana side in nation’s cup qualifiers. The tactful Baxter made his uncelebrated boys play deep, and watched helplessly as the domineering Super Eagles tried in vain, all effort aimed at scoring till the Eagles desperation turn to frustration. Thereafter, anxiety and loss of focus became the attitude of our midfield and defence structure. A weakness and moment the hitherto underdog in the match, the South Africans were waiting to exploit. They did with speed, scoring twice against the complacent Nigerian team and humiliating the African giant before their home fans.
In a response to The New Diplomat’s question at the Le Meridien camp, Uyo the Super Eagles’ skipper, Mikel Obi expressed how to avoid similar South African defeat due to overconfidence.
“We have watch the Zambians play and seen their strength and weakness which we intend to exploit. We a very good defence now and we are going to attack together and defend togethe,” Obi said.
Similarly, the Nigerian head coach Rohr assured that the victory with Cameroon was good for confidence but the Chipolopolo game means new strategy and focus. He observed the Zambian team is quite different from the team super eagles won 2-1 in the first leg.
“We monitored their game against Algeria, we saw their quality, direction and enthusiasm so we will be careful, very careful and we do not have injury worries,” Rohr said.
Another assurance from the 23-man super eagle squad was the motivation and passion they expressed to play in the world cup to boost their career. The likes of Alex Iwobi, Ola Aino, Mikel Obi (with 2nd world cup appearance), Ezenwa and Odion Ighalo all did not hide their desire to qualify come Saturday.
“We do not need financial motivation at the moment, I want to play at the senior world cup and that alone is a motivation for me. I want to go to Russia, it will be a great honour for me to represent my country, to represent 170 million Nigerians at the world cup which some of the best players in the world have not played in.
“We are very focus and committed to win Saturday’s game. We will not be under pressure if we do not score in the first 40 minutes. Yes, I do not have any favourite team mates that gives me confidence because all of my team mates gives me confidence, we are a good team,” a spirited Ighalo said.
Meanwhile, the Super Eagles’ head coach has enjoined the team 12th player, the fans to turn out en-mass at the Nest of Champions to cheer the Super Eagles to Russia 2019.
