Posted by Adekunle Salami on
The coach of Nigeria's national team, the Super Eagles, Christian Chukwu, has said that Nigeria would stop Angola's run in the Group Four of the African World Cup qualifiers.
The coach of Nigeria's national team, the Super Eagles, Christian Chukwu, has said that Nigeria would stop Angola's run in the Group Four of the African World Cup qualifiers.
Chukwu, on Monday, told the British Broadcasting Corporation that the Eagles would be battle ready for the Wasps on June 18 in Kano.
'We're aware they'll come all out to get a draw but we'll not allow that to happen. That match is crucial to both sides, I agree that it's going to be tough but my team will clinch the three points to be in better position for the only World Cup ticket of the group."
Angola, it will be recalled, defeated Nigeria 1-0 in Lunda last year and that incidentally was the only defeat suffered so far by the Eagles.
'They got three points from us and we're both in the race, so we'll not fail to beat them here as well," he said.
On the possibility of skipper Austin Okocha playing against Angola, the coach vowed not to beg the Bolton player.
He said, 'We'll prepare very well and I won't force Okocha or anybody. He is the captain and it is left for him to decide if he wants to join us.
'The task at hand is crucial and we cannot afford to lose concentration because of one person."
The Eagles on Sunday forced Rwanda to a 1-1 draw in a group four tie while Angola defeated Algeria 2-1 in Luanda.
Nigeria and Angola are tied on points (14) with Eagles having a better goal difference.
The Punch, Tuesday June 7, 2005