Malawi Vow To Defeat Eagles

Interim coach of the Flames of Malawi, Tom Saintfiet, has declared that his team would roast the Super Eagles of Nigeria, when both sides clash in the Brazil 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Saturday at the UJ Esuene Stadium, Calabar, Cross River State.

The Belgian coach had engaged his Nigerian counterpart, Coach Stephen Keshi in a war of words in the buildup to the make or mar tie. Saintfiet stated yesterday that his wards would cut the wings of the Eagles come Saturday.

Saintfiet had been tipped to emerge as the Technical Director of the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, last year, but the NFF later rescinded on its decision.

The much travelled coach told supersport.com that he is optimistic of causing an upset against their much heralded opponents.

“We have nothing to lose and that’s the key, we come here as underdogs and that will surely work in our favour.

“Malawi is a small country, with a small population, but the layers are dedicated and want to do their best to represent their country. We respect Nigeria, they are the African champions, but we fear no foe,” Saintfiet enthused.

“Some of them earn considerably less than say what Nigeria or Ghana pay as bonuses. I feel anyone who plays for their countries should do so with pride and not for monetary gains. “We go into Saturday’s match with such a mindset, we are confident we can shock Nigeria.”

Meanwhile, Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi has warned that his team have not yet crossed the line in their quest to feature at next year’s World Cup.The African champions only need to avoid defeat at home against Malawi to reach the final qualifying round of the World Cup in Brazil.

But Keshi has insisted they still need to work to guarantee their qualification on Saturday.

“We are cruising well, but not yet over the line. We have to send the best guys out there to get the job done,” Keshi said.

Head To Head

25 July 1978 (AAG) Malawi 2-3 Nigeria

8 March 1984 (ACN) Malawi 2-2 Nigeria

4 June 2000 (F) Nigeria 3-2 Malawi

6 June 2000 (F) Nigeria 4-1 Malawi

29 March 2003 (ACNq) Malawi 0-1 Nigeria

7 June 2003 (ACNq) Nigeria 4-1 Malawi

9 June 2012 (WCq) Malawi 1-1 Nigeria