Super Eagles Set Eyes on Russia as Rohr Optimistic of Chipolopolo's Fall
Nigeria will look to take a decisive step toward qualifying for the 2018 World Cup when they host Zambia in Uyo this evening in the Group B match at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, Akwa Ibom at 6pm. A win for the Super Eagles will mathematically secure their place at the global showpiece in Russia next year, while a draw will leave them three points clear with one match to play and a much better goal difference, but wouldn’t quite button down their World Cup spot just yet.
As for Zambia, a win is their only realistic chance of reviving their World Cup hopes. If the Southern Africans can get the better of the Super Eagles in Uyo, it would leave the teams level on points heading into the final round of matches in November.
It all seems set up for a glorious home win for Nigeria, who would love nothing more than to seal a sixth World Cup appearance in front of their fans, having already outplayed Algeria and Cameroon at the same venue.
Yet German coach Gernot Rohr has admitted that Zambia will pose a stern threat and has warned his team not to underestimate Chipolopolo.
“I can't predict the score line against Zambia because it would not be an easy match. Zambia can be dangerous because they also have a good team. I don't think it would be a 4-0 win for us but the most important thing for us is to win even if it's by one or two goal difference. I have seen a lot of videos of the Zambian team and I must confess they are a very good side, much better than the team we played last October, but we are not afraid. We only have to give them respect but we won't make the mistake Algeria made by underrating Zambia; they have quick strikers but we shall be ready for them,” Rohr told Caf’s official website
Following their impressive back-to-back wins over Algeria, Zambia would be boosted with a quiet confidence that they can upset the West African giants - especially if they are mentally strong.
"This game will be highly psychological; therefore we are working on their mental strength before the match. Every player and everyone on our bench know and believe that this time is our time. God can only show you the fish and it up to you to fish it out. Looking at the way we worked against Algeria home and away it tells a lot of stories. The boys now know and believe it can be done. Nigeria is a different team. We are not going to be big-headed because we beat Algeria. Ee are focused on looking at Nigeria only,” Coach Wedson Nyirenda told the FAZ website.
At a reception held for the Super Eagles by Akwa Ibom Governor, Udom Emmanuel on Wednesday, team Captain, Mikel Obi said the players know what is at stake and ready to give their best. “We know how important the match is; that is enough motivation to go all out and give our very best. There are several players in this team who have not played at the FIFA World Cup, they want to be there in Russia next year. The talking will be done on the pitch. I have no doubt we have the quality to achieve victory, but we will not make the mistake of under rating the Zambians,’’ he said.
Obi said that the team’s good performance in previous matches was achieved due to the focus, determination and massive support of all Nigerians.
“We believe the same indices are in place today against Zambia; we have played four matches in the campaign so far, but this one is the match. We are fully focused and ready. All we want is the usual support and encouragement by everyone involved, including the fans that will turn out at the match venue,’’ he said.
Meanwhile, President of the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, Amaju Pinnick, has tasked the Super Eagles to be calm but clinical against their opponent. “The tendency is for teams to get uptight and tensed for this kind of match. I