Former Nigerian manager, Christian Chukwu has harped on the importance for the Super Eagles to commence on a winning note their title chase at the third African Nations Championship (Chan) in South Africa.
Eagles to commence on a winning note their title chase at the third African Nations Championship (Chan) in South Africa.
The Eagles will confront their West African foes, Les Aigles of Mali in the second game of the championship on Saturday at the Cape Town Stadium.
Chukwu said the outcome of the first game in a major championship is very crucial as it goes a long way to determine the extent the team will go in the competition.
“Mali have always been a football nation way back in our days, I still believe they’re in that strong position at the moment.
“But we’ve an edge or advantage as our coach, Stephen Keshi has handled the side in the past, he’s expected to use his wealth of experience to position his wards to roll over the Malians.
“It’s important we win the first game against Mali on Saturday, a win will give us a foothold as well as boost the players’ confidence in the championship,” the former Nigerian defender said to supersport.com.
Chukwu said the Eagles’ two other opponents, South Africa and Mozambique will not come cheap but he predicted the Nigerians will find their way round them.
“South Africa are hosts though we’ve been beating them in the past it won’t be easy on their home ground and before their teeming supporters.
“But both sides will meet each other after two group matches so the outcome of those matches will determine the firework that will go into the encounter.
“Mozambique are another tough nut though we’ve been having it easy over them but they’re coming to Chan with almost same set of players so that will make it a bit tough for us.“It won’t be easy for the Eagles but with a better tactical approach coming from the coaches I see the side coming top of the group,” the former Harambee Stars coach said.
Chukwu is positive the Eagles will go all the way to grab the Chan title at their first attempt.
“Even though we’re heading to the championship as first timers I believe we’ve the capability to win, we’ve the talents and right now the players have the rare opportunity to prove their worth as well as market themselves. I strongly believe we’ll do very well,” Chukwu said.
Nigeria will campaign in Group A together with the hosts, South Africa, Mali and Mozambique. They will kick-off their title campaign against Mali thereafter confront Mozambique before rounding off the group stage against the hosts, South Africa. The best two will progress to the knockout stage of the biennial championship
CREDIT: Supersportsfootball
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