Former Super Eagles left-back Ifeanyi Udeze says Zambia are traditionally a physical team with grit, but expects Nigeria should cut them to size.
Udeze, who made his full international debut against Chipolopolo said the Eagles will need to put in more work than they did against Cameroon – who the Eagles picked four points against over two legs – to stop the Southern Africa side.
‘I played my first Super Eagles game against Zambia and I can tell you that they are a very physical team. That has always been their style.
‘They also love to run and can go for 90 minutes.
‘But, we must also put into consideration that our team have been amazing through these qualifiers. Although I feel that this game might be as tough if not tougher than Cameroon.
The 37-year-old spoke on the Big Sports Breakfast show on 88.9 Brila FM where he has joined the team of analysts including Anthony Bekederemo on Monday.
Nigeria host Zambia in a group B penultimate qualifying match for the 2018 FIFA World Cup on October 7 in Uyo.
Sitting on top of the group B with 10 points, three more than Wedson Nyirenda’s men, Nigeria can secure the ticket to Russia with a game to spare if the Eagles defeat Zambia.
The Zambia’s revived their World Cup hopes with stunning home and away wins against Algeria and are counting on their away form to halt Nigeria’s celebrations.
Nyirenda’s men have picked four points on the road, and Udeze believes the 2012 African Champions have so far been the surprise package in the “group of death”.
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