17th January, 2013
Zambia coach Nerve Renard has declared that his Chipolopolo squad are battle ready to subdue the Super Eagles of Nigeria during the African Cup of Nations, which kicks off this Saturday in South Africa.
The Eagles and Chipolopolo will lock horns on 25 January in their group match of the African championship, and Renard has boasted that the tie is a must-win for his side, as they are looking forward to topping the group ahead of the Stephen Keshi-led team.
Nigeria and Zambia will battle to win Group C and so avoid the mighty Cote d’Ivoire in the knockout stage of the Nations Cup.
The other teams in Group C in Nelpsruit are Burkina Faso and Ethiopia, who could well define the final standings.
The tie between the Eagles and Chipolopolo, has generated a lot of excitement even before a ball is kicked in anger.
Ticket sales for this fixture have been most encouraging as Zambia are expected to enjoy a lot of support from their compatriots who are expected to come down in droves from across the border.
Zambia coach stoked the fire by saying he has not been impressed by the Eagles in pre-AFCON warm-ups and that his team want to top this group.
“We want to finish top of our group like in 2010 and 2012. It’s not easy, but we want to go as far as possible because this team have fantastic team spirit,” the Frenchman said.
Nigeria coach, Stephen Keshi is not boasting, but has said that he will do his best at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.
Keshi, who is leading a team of 23 players comprising 17 players who are debutants and six players in the Nigeria Premier League, said that he will surely do what is required of him at the tournament.
Keshi, however believes the stake at the competition is very high. “I know the stakes are high and we are expected to do well in South Africa. For me, I am ready for a good outing at the competition,” Keshi said.
“We have done everything that we needed to do and the boys are raring to go and make a name for themselves. We have painstakingly prepared for the Nations Cup, and we are just waiting for the tournament to start.
“But I will not be drawn into making predictions. What I know is that we have prepared very well and the players are in high spirits.
“We are going to take every game as it comes. Anybody can make predictions, but every game will be approached on its merit.”
The Super Eagles concluded their warm up with a 5-0 defeat of Portuguese second division club Farense on Tuesday, with the team set to begin their campaign against Burkina Faso on Monday.
“We have played our last friendly and Nigerians should just remain steadfast and have faith that this team will do well,” Keshi said.