Liberian Star Dares Super Eagles

A Liberian player, Leonardo Hiah, who plays for newly promoted Nigeria Premier League; NPL, side, EL Kanemi Warriors of Maiduguri, has read riot act to the Super Eagles, stating that the Lone Stars of Liberia will deny Nigeria a berth at the 2013 African Cup of Nations.

Nigeria and Liberia are paired in the final round of qualifying series for the South Africa 2013 Nations Cup with the winners qualifying. Hiah boasted that it is Liberia that will pick the ticket at the expense of Nigeria’s Eagles.

The gangling striker believes that despite Nigeria being one of the big names in football all over the world his country can still denied the Eagles a berth at the continental competition.

Hiah, who had played for all the junior teams of Liberia before joining El Kanemi, stated that with hardwork the Liberian team can shock Nigeria any day and anywhere provided the officials adhere to the rules governing the sport.

According to him, “Nigeria is a big country blessed with many talented footballers, but I know Liberia will beat Nigeria to qualify for the Nations Cup. We have what it takes to take Nigeria to the cleaners.”

Asked if he believes Liberia will not be carried away with the array of stars that Nigeria will parade in the match, he said that big names don’t play football, adding that there are no minnows in football again.

Speaking on the standard of football in Nigeria compared to what is obtainable in Liberia, he admitted that Nigeria is much ahead than his country.

“In terms of football, Liberia cannot compete with Nigeria. The margin is very wide but I know with time we would catch up with Nigeria,” he said.

Hiah, who was part of the team that helped El Kanemi gain promotion from the Nigeria National League, NNL to the Nigeria Premier League, NPL,  noted that El  Kanemi’s emergence as the 2012 NNL champions was no fluke as they braced all odds to ensure that they return to the topflight.

“It is my dream to play in the topflight of the Nigerian league and I’m glad that we eventually gained the promotion.

Hiah refused to set any target for himself in the topflight of the Nigerian league, but insisted that he would leave nothing to chance to ensure that  El Kanemi make a statement in their return to the Premier League.

—Adebobola Alawode