Eagles upbeat despite looming danger

It is now an open secret that the Eagles need to win their last two matches against Congo and South Africa to stand a chance of qualifying for the 2015 AFCON. The defending champions have lost two, drawn one and won one match in the qualifiers to garner only four points out a possible 12.Meanwhile, […]

It is now an open secret that the Eagles need to win their last two matches against Congo and South Africa to stand a chance of qualifying for the 2015 AFCON. The defending champions have lost two, drawn one and won one match in the qualifiers to garner only four points out a possible 12.
Meanwhile, South Africa are on top of the group on eight points followed by Congo on seven points. Nigeria who had lost 2-3 against Congo in their opening match in Calabar must therefore win in today’s return fixture.
Furthermore, it is not just victory that the Eagles need. They need to beat Congo with a score line that would swing the head to head rule in their favour. Mathematically, Congo must fall by 2-0, 3-1, 4-1 or 4-2 before Eagles would get the necessary reprieve.
The long and short of it is that Eagles must get a favourable victory to put them in advantageous position. It is only then that they would come home and face South Africa on November 19 with a chance of winning and qualifying for the continental showpiece.
Although most of the problems that have bedevilled the team in recent times are still lingering, there is a ray of hope with the return of the highly rated striker, Ikechuwkwu Uche. He was overlooked for close to two years by Keshi.
It is hoped that he would team up with inform CSKA of Moscow striker, Ahmed Musa to help the Eagles get the much needed victory over Congo. Musa is in his best form and is expected to continue from where he stopped against Sudan in Abuja.
Tough as the battle appears, some of the players have remained upbeat. They are unanimously assuring Nigerians that Congo will fall this afternoon.
Celtic of Scotland defender, Efe Ambrose said the players know the huge expectations of Nigerians and would not let them down.
“We are aware of the great task ahead. We are going to Congo as wounded lions to pick the maximum points. I believe with God on our side and the prayers of Nigerians, we will come out the better side.
“I am very happy with the team spirit in the camp and one thing that is clear is we are determined to win back our fans with good performance. We want to start this in Congo”.
Also speaking, returnee striker, Ikechukwu Uche said even as all eyes would be on him, he is not under any form of pressure. He said just as the pressure is on the Eagles, the same is on the home side.
He, therefore promised to do his best to help the Eagles beat Congo in the most convincing manner. “I am happy to be back. It is good for me and I will play my role as a team player in the task ahead. I am sure we shall get a good result in Congo”.
Turkey based defender, Godfrey Oboabona also said victory is what is on the mind of the Eagles as they go into today’s crucial encounter.
“We all know what is required of us, if we are to qualify for the Nations Cup. So that is what is on our mind. We are going to Congo for victory. We must get a good result to stand a chance of qualifying. All we need is support from all well meaning Nigerians”.
The players are undaunted but the fans are not so confident. A football coach and analyst, Austin Tyowua said the players have boxed themselves into a tight corner and are still the ones who can free themselves.
“Well, it is up to the players to redeem themselves. Nobody played them into the position they have found themselves. They know what is required of them as professionals. If they want to qualify to defend the title they won in 2013, they have to do something extra ordinary.
“I have not been impressed with the team’s performance and going by what the Congolese played in the first leg, the Eagles will have a mountain to climb. It is a difficult task so all I can do is to wish the Eagles Goodluck,” he said.
Former international Garba Lawal is also of the view that the Eagles are up against a determined Congo side and must do exactly what they did in the second half against Sudan in Abuja to stand any chance of returning home with victory.
“I cannot say what is going to happen against Congo. It is a difficult one because the Congolese know that victory over Eagles will land them the 2015 AFCON ticket and they will go all out for it. On the other hand, the Eagles know defeat will end their AFCON 2015 dream. So it will be a big match.
“But I want to encourage the Eagles to play with the spirit they displayed in the second half of their match against Sudan in Abuja. They really showed a winning mentality in the half and got two well deserved goals”.