Some Ethiopian players are upbeat ahead of the 2014 World Cup Playoffs against the Super Eagles of Nigeria.
The star players Shimeles Bekele and Salhadin Said have stated that they are battle ready for the do or die clash against Nigeria in next month’s World Cup play off.
Shimeles who plays for Libyan side Al Ittihad warned Nigeria’s Super Eagles not to expect an easy time in Addis Ababa adding that the visitors will be in for a surprise.
The mercurial midfielder also reiterated that the teamwork which has been evident will be secret weapon for the Walias as they dream of making it to Brazil.
“Sometimes it feels like a dream getting to the play offs because at one point we almost thought our dream was over when we were docked three points. I have read with a lot of excitement Nigerian players saying how they will beat us and make it to the World Cup. I want to tell them it will not be easy as they think as we did not qualify for the play offs by fluke but by sheer hard work.”
“There is self belief among the Ethiopian players that nothing is impossible at this point and i believe it is the dream of every player to make it to the World cup which is the biggest football showpiece. I am personally in great form and cannot wait to give my team 100 percent and give Nigeria a run for their money. We have learnt alot since the last time we played in the 2013 Afcon,” a buoyant Bekele said.
Shimeles played a pivotal role for Ethiopia when they came from a goal down to beat Central Africa Republic 2-1 early in September in a match played in Congo Brazzaville.
While Salhadin Said who is Ethiopia’s all time scorer has said it loud and clear that Nigeria won’t get it easy to beat them to qualify for next year’s World Cup.
The striker who has been in red hot form for his country and scored on Tuesday in a 2-1 win for his Egyptian side Wadi Degla against Haras Alhadod in friendly says that all will be decided on the pitch and warned Nigeria against over confidence.
“We respect Nigeria as the African champions but I can vow when we play with them it will not be a walk in the park.We have to be respected as we are among the ten teams in Africa that qualified for the play offs despite being docked points. We don’t have the big name culture among the players but believe in team unity and any team that underrates us must do that to their own detriment.”
“We have never been this close to the World Cup and I can assure them we will fight to the last minute and make our fans proud. Football is not a game you can predict but if they underrate us, they will go back home with regrets. I am happy with my current form and want to continue scoring for my beloved country and make our dream of qualifying for the World cup come true,” Salhadin Said stated.
Salhadin scored the equalizer for Ethiopia against CAR in Brazzaville and in 2012 he notched a brace for the Walias against Nigeria in Addis in a game that ended 2-2.
