25th July, 2013
Chief Coach of Nigeria’s home-based Eagles, Stephen Keshi has stated in clear terms that they won’t underrate the Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire in the second leg of the African Nations Championship, CHAN, billed for Saturday in Abidjan.
The Eagles recorded an emphatic 4-1 victory in the first leg decided at the Sanni Abacha Stadium, Kaduna State, but Keshi says the Eagles will go all out in search of victory against their fellow West Africans.
Speaking before the team’s departure Thursday morning, the former Hawks of Togo soccer tactician said they are not in any way scared of their opponents, declaring that he is sure of victory.
“We are not scared of the Ivoirians and we are absolutely ready for our opponents, it is football, we would be approaching the game as if it is the first leg of the qualifiers with a view to defeating them.”
On the preparedness of the team for the antics of their opponents, the former Eagles of Mali coach opined: “I once played professional football with Stade d’Abidjan in Cote d’Ivoire so I know what to expect, all we need do is to remain focused and approach the tie with utmost seriousness.”
Also brimming with confidence is skipper of the team, Chigozie Agbim, the Rangers International of Enugu goalkeeper said they are battle ready for whatever their opponents throw at them come Saturday.
According to him “We are going to Cote d’Ivoire to spill blood for our fatherland, there is nothing too much for one to do for one’s country, and we also want to make history by qualifying for the championship.”