With two matches left in the Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup Africa Zone qualifying tournament, Super Eagles of Nigeria sit on top of Group B with an impressive 10 points from four matches against their closest challenger in seven-point Chipolopolo of Zambia.
Incidentally, both sides would meet in the penultimate round of matches this weekend at the Uyo International Stadium in what should be an interesting contest; the Super Eagles had previously thrashed other contenders at the same venue including a 3-1 win against Algeria as well as the 4-0 white-wash of African champions, Cameroon.
Nevertheless, Nigeria’s Franco-German trainer, Gernot Rohr has admitted that their southern African visitors would not be a piece of cake for the West Africans, adding his wards will gird their loins against the Chipolopolo.
“I can’t predict the scoreline against Zambia because it would not be an easy match,” the 64-year-old Rohr who had previously worked in Gabon, Niger, Burkina Faso and Tunisia told CAFOnline.com
“Zambia can be dangerous for the super Eagles 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,” added Rohr.
Speaking further, Rohr said the Chipolopolo would not be underrated despite Nigeria’s impressive record against Zambia at international level after winning seven out of past 17 matches plus the 2-1 away win in Ndola last October as well as five drawn and five losses in other encounters.
“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,” Rohr reassured.“ Super Eagles 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.”
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