Former national team captain and chief coach, Christian Chukwu, has told the Super Eagles team to be extra cautious when the get to the pitch for the battle against the Flames of Malawi on Saturday in an all-important 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the UJ Esuene Stadium in Calabar.
Chukwu, who is a member of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Technical Committee, believes the African champions should not think their Malawian opponents will run into their shell.
“In footballing terms, Malawi is a small country to Nigeria – that’s a fact. But that does not count now because over time teams regarded as small have come up with shock results against big teams.
“Nigeria are the champions of Africa and everyone wants to beat them, so the players need to keep justifying that in every game and even now when they will play Malawi and I must say that the Malawians are the underdogs and will want to shock our team. So the boys must put in their best to avoid any surprise from their opponents,” said Chukwu.
The former Nigerian captain also thinks the Super Eagles have a squad to extinguish the Flames in Calabar this weekend and go on to book a World Cup place in the final playoff later this year.
However, he wants the Nigeria squad to perform to their optimum against the Malawians.
“I am sure the boys cannot underrate Malawi at this point of the qualifiers. No doubt the Super Eagles are in the driving seat in their group but I think a win will do the team’s confidence a lot of good.
“I am in no doubt of the quality in the Nigeria squad and they’re capable of beating any team but they must show commitment and focus in putting Malawi in their place,” said Chukwu.
“This team have everything to also go ahead and qualify for the World Cup next year. It wouldn’t sound good that the African champions couldn’t qualify for the World Cup.”
The African champions just need a point to win Group F of the World Cup qualification and qualify to play in the final round prior to reaching the Mundial.
