9th January, 2013
Former Super Eagles goalkeeper coach, Joe Erico has said it will be an AFCON boost for the side to win their friendly tie against the Blue Sharks of Cape Verde.
Both sides are using the clash today at the Algarve Stadium in Faro, Portugal as build-up for their 2013 Afcon campaign in South Africa.
The Islanders, who are making their debut at the biennial football showpiece, will vie for honour in Group A with hosts, South Africa, Angola and Morocco while two-time African champions, Nigeria will campaign in Group C against Cup holders, Zambia, Burkina Faso and Ethiopia.
Erico said after pulling a heart-warming 1-1 draw against star-studded Catalonia in Barcelona, Spain a win against Cape Verde will boost the Eagles’ confidence heading to the Nations Cup.
“Defeat will be demoralising and they should avoid defeat perhaps worst case settle for a draw,” said the former Nigerian shot-stopper to supersport.com.
The former Iwuanyanwu Nationale coach will want manager, Stephen Keshi to be fair and firm in the selection of the final 23-man Afcon list.
“I know he would have made up his mind on the final 23 I want to believe the choices will plug the loopholes noted in the team. I equally believe he will be fair to both local and foreign-based players,” he said.
Erico charged the Eagles to give every Afcon opponent equal attention.
“The Eagles should play every game as if it has never been played before and must avoid underrating any opponent.
“Nobody would have given Cape Verde a chance against Cameroon, every country at the Nations Cup is potential winner, so they must take every game seriously,” he said.
The Eagles will kickoff their chase for a third African title against Burkina Faso on January 21 in Nelspruit.