Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi has warned his players against complacency if they have to beat Malawi in Calabar on Saturday to qualify for the final stage of the 2014 World Cup qualifiers.
The African champions only need to avoid defeat at home against Malawi to reach the final qualifying round of the World Cup in Brazil. Nigeria lead Group F on nine points, two ahead of Malawi. The Flames need to win to sail through while a draw will be enough for the African champions to reach the last round.
“We are cruising well, but not yet over the line. We have to send the best guys out there to get the job done,” MTNFootball.com quoted Keshi as saying during the week.
Meanwhile, stand-in captain Vincent Enyeama says the Eagles will aim for victory, despite needing a draw to advance to the last stage of the World Cup qualifiers.
“We have come a long way and anything short of victory against Malawi would not be good enough considering our status in Africa,” the France-based goalkeeper said.
“I am optimistic that we will win the encounter. We know what is at stake and what is expected of us. We are not under any pressure.”
The Lille player said Joseph Yobo, would be missed on Saturday.
The Fenerbahce defender has been omitted by Stephen Keshi since Nigeria became African champions in February and Enyeama has been appointed in his absence to lead the team.
“It’s a big honour to wear the (captain’s arm) band for this country,” he told SuperSport. “It’s also an honour to stand in place of Yobo. Yobo is a great guy and an amazing person. He’s a great human being.
“I wish Yobo was here in Calabar, unfortunately, he’s not. It’s up to the coach to decide who comes to the camp and who does not.
“It’s up to the coach to decide who comes and who does not but I really wish he was here.
“However, it’s an honour for me to captain this great side.”
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