Chukwu charges Super Eagles ahead of 2017 AFCON qualifier against Tanzania •Explains why match is important News

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Chukwu charges Super Eagles ahead of 2017 AFCON qualifier against Tanzania •Explains why match is important

By Maduabuchi Kalu on September 3, 2016

Christian Chukwu, former national team captain and coach, has given reasons why the national team, the Super Eagles should prosecute this weekend’s final leg of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers with the seriousness it deserves.

According to the former Enugu Rangers captain, it is quite true that whether Eagles lose the game or secure victory, it will not change anything as three the time African champions have lost the bid to play in next year’s continental biggest football fiesta, but there is need to ensure that the game affords the new gaffer, Kenneth Rohr the opportunity to access the players as they are meeting for the first time.

Again, he explained that the Super Eagles should at the same time ensure that the country’s football image is not further dented by losing to Tanzania despite the insignificance of the game as far as the 2017 AFCON is concerned.

“There is no doubt that the game in Uyo this weekend is not going to the change the fact that Nigeria’s flag will be missing when the 31st edition of the Africa Cup of Nations kicks off in Gabon next year, but that does not in any way mean that the team should be complacent,” Chukwu stated.

“As far as I am concerned, the match is important for a number of reasons. First and foremost the game will afford our new technical adviser, Kenneth Rohr the opportunity of meeting the players one on one just like it will equally afford the players the opportunity of seeing and meeting the new helmsman.

“It is this game that Rohr will use to probably select the team that will commence our Russia 2018 World Cup campaign. So, any player who wants to be a part of the team that would prosecute the World Cup Qualifiers should do himself a whole world of good by stepping up his game not just for this match, but for the subsequent matches.

“Just like us, the Taifa Stars of Tanzania would want to upset the applecart by making this game difficult for the Eagles because they would like to prove that since we played draw in their home soil, nothing prevents them from doing so here in Nigeria or even beating us. That is why the players and their handlers should mean business.

“Having said that I am of the view that no matter how stubborn the Taifa Stars of Tanzania may be, Eagles will triumph in Uyo. I am not trying to underrate them because there are no minnows in football these days, but of course shoe they say has size,” Chairman Chukwu said.

•Photo shows Super Eagles.

Source Daily Sports

Posted September 3, 2016