NIGERIA CAUTIONED

Tue, 26 Sep 2017 14:37:09 +0000

…Super Eagles defender Yisa Sofoluw says Zambia is capable of causing an upset

By Grace Chaile Lesoetsa

IT is only the goals that will count and not the amount of possession you attain in the match because Zambia has a quality and determined team with a chance to qualify, says Nigeria national team defender Yisa Sofoluwe.

Sofoluwe warned the Super Eagles not to underrate the Chipolopolo as they were capable of causing an upset when they two sides clash in the crucial 2018 World Cup qualifier on October 7 in Nigeria.

A win for Zambia will spoil Nigeria’s chances of booking a ticket to Russia. Zambia is three points behind leaders Nigeria in Group C.

Sofoluwe told Vanguard in an interview that Zambia’s double victory over Algeria was testimony that the Chipolopolo meant serious business when it comes to World Cup qualification.

“They can stop the Eagles if we fail to take them seriously. They too have a very good chance of qualifying for the World Cup. But that is if we allow them,” he said

He said expectations among the Nigerians were very high so the team cannot afford to lose.

“The coach knows only the best material should be fielded because expectations among Nigerians are high. As for the players, they must be calm and collected whenever they find themselves in the Zambian 18-yard box, pick their spots and make use of their chances when they come.

“Only goals will count. Not the amount of possession you attain in the match. The Eagles forward line must be clinical in front of goal,” he said.

Sofoluwe was however confident that the duo of Moses Simon and Victor Moses will make the difference against Zambia. “They are very sharp and bring down any defence while feeding the forwards with inviting assists,” he said

Meanwhile, Chipolopolo soccer fans association patron Yotam Mwanza has advised the Zambian players to have the self-belief that they can cause an upset in Nigeria.

Mwanza said Nigeria may have many players playing in Europe, but with determination and team work, they were beatable. “It is definitely going to be a tough much but we have faith in Wedson Nyirenda and the team he will assemble,” he said.