By Daily Sports on October 8, 2016

Zambia insist they respect but do not fear the Super Eagles ahead of their opening Russia 2018 World Cup Group B qualifier at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola, Zambia, on Sunday.

Three-time African champions Nigeria won their second title at the Tunisia ’94 Africa Cup of Nations at Chipolopolo’s expense – with Emmanuel Amuneke’s brace settling the score at 2-1. But Zambia claimed their first continental title at the 2012 finals in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea, with Nigeria missing from the party.

Both sides have met 16 times between 1973 and 2013, with Nigeria triumphing over the Southern Africans six times. Zambia won five times. They settled for a draw in five other encounters.

But Zambia captain Rainford Kalaba and veteran Zambia goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene maintain Chipolopolo have nothing to fear against the Eagles, who like them, failed to qualify for the Gabon 2017 Africa Cup of Nations.

Chipolopolo manager Wedson Nyirenda echoed his players’ optimism, urging the team to beat the Eagles on Sunday.

“We have respect for them (Nigeria) but football is played on the pitch,” TP Mazembe midfielder Kalaba was quoted by Lusaka Times as saying.

“They were once champions and we were once champions. The 90 minutes will decide the outcome of the game.”

The 2015 CAF Champions League winner also told Zambia Daily Mail, “Nigeria is a big side in African football. We respect them, but we do not fear them.

“In the end, football is played on the pitch and we intend to beat them on ours.”

Mamelodi Sundowns’ Mweene says the team should not be written off as no-hopers in the group also having powerhouses Cameroon and Algeria.

“When the media say you are no-hopers and certain to finish last, that motivates you,” AFP quoted the 31-year-old South Africa-based keeper as saying on Thursday.

“Deep down, Algeria, Cameroon and Nigeria know it is not going to be easy playing against us. Being outsiders suits us just fine.”

Nyirenda, who will rely on Kalaba’s creativity to unlock Nigeria’s defence, says he is confident Zambia will pick up the sole ticket in Group B to represent Africa along with four other countries at Russia 2018.

“We just have to qualify. I have always said even if we are building the team, we have to qualify to the World Cup for the first time,” he told The Post.

“The arrival of professionals has boosted morale in the team, we are looking good with the brotherliness I am seeing in the team.” (NAN)

•Photo shows Chipolopolo of Zambi

Source Daily Sports

Posted October 8, 2016

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