By Augustine Kalu on November 10, 2016

Former national team captain and coach, Christian Chukwu, has warned the Super Eagles not to underrate their opponents, Algeria when they file out to do battle on the 12th of this month in the Russia 2018 World Cup Qualifying match in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital.

He said that it would be the undoing of Eagles to underrate the Algerians who he described as a very formidable side with experience. The former Rangers captain and coach also warned the Nigerian lads to be wary of the Algerian team who may come to frustrate them in Uyo.

Chukwu, the man who captained the then national team, the Green Eagles to lift the country’s first ever Africa Cup of Nations trophy in 1980 in Lagos, warned that the Algerians are always a very tough side to play against having played against them during his playing days.

Chairman, as he is fondly called by thousands of his admirers, stated this in an exclusive telephone interview with Daily Sports.

“Well, on the issue of our World Cup Qualifying game against Algeria, my advice to the Super Eagles is that they should not in any way underrate our opponents, Algeria,” Chukwu warned.

“It will be our undoing to underrate the much experienced Algerians. They are a very good side as we speak. It is not about them being the best football playing nation on the continent according to FIFA ranking. They are a good side with quality players with experience.

“What I am saying in essence is that we should not give them advantage by being complacent during the game. They will come here fully prepared to even beat us, if they have the opportunity. That is why I am advising that we should not make their plans come to fruition by underrating them or by being complacent during the match.

“Like I said, they are a good side with experience. They may come here to frustrate us because they are a side that can deploy football antics to frustrate their opponents including the Super Eagles and we shouldn’t allow that to happen.

“The Algerians have always been a tough side to play against. I am saying this because I have played against them during my playing days. So I know what I am talking about. They are always a tough side to play against in any level of football be it club or national engagement,” Chukwu said.

Speaking further, the former Harambee Stars of Kenya coach expressed confidence that in the ability of the vibrant Nigerian side to emerge victorious at the end of the 90 minute hostilities in Uyo.

He charged the John Obi Mikel captained side to remember that victory over Algeria in Uyo means Nigeria is getting closer to the World Cup and as a result, should not take the game for granted as millions of Nigerian Football loving fans rest their hope in the team to deliver the World Cup ticket.

“Having said that I believe with the caliber of players and the technical crew that we parade; if we put our acts together we’ll emerge victorious at the end of hostilities.

“I am very confident that we will emerge victorious at the end of the game because we have young players that are full of energy and hungry to etch their names on the sands of time. If the coach will be able to blend them to become a team, despite the threat that the Algerians may pose against the Eagles, they will come out of that encounter victorious.

“I also want to use this opportunity to remind them that they should realise that victory against Algeria in Uyo means Nigeria getting closer to the World Cup. The game is very crucial and Eagles should not leave anything to chance during the match,” Chukwu warned.

•Photo shows Christian Chukwu.

Source Daily Sports

Posted November 10, 2016

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