Nigeria/Cameroon World Cup qualifier will be tough — Kpakor •Tells NFF leadership to brace up News

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Nigeria/Cameroon World Cup qualifier will be tough — Kpakor •Tells NFF leadership to brace up

By Victor Enyinnaya on February 19, 2017

Ex-international, Moses Kpakor has charged the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) leadership, Super Eagles players and her technical crew to brace up decisively and be ready to counter the looming invasion of Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions as the buildup for their 2018 Russia World Cup qualifier game scheduled for August in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State beacons.

He made the charge in an exclusive telephone interview with Daily Sports from his Makurdi base, stating that aside from whatever angle anybody would look at games between Nigeria and Cameroon have always been tough.

“Therefore, the two legged World Cup qualifiers in Uyo, Nigeria and Limbe, Cameroon won’t be an exception. The Central African country being AFCON defending Champions will no doubt give them some great stimuli to confront the Eagles headlong. The way out is thorough preparation via quality friendly games that would test the fitness and form of our players,” he said.

Kpakor who thumbed up the composure and sense of professionalism of the technical hand, Gernot Rohr added that the Franco-German has shown more suitability for the Nigerian job after watching the recently concluded AFCON proceedings in Gabon. He observed further that “his approach to the task ahead has been boosted and I believe if the NFF implements the programme he submitted, the Eagles would continue their high classy showing when the World Cup qualifiers resume.

“No doubt, Eagles will strive to fly over Cameroon in Uyo despite the boast by the Lions that it is targeting four points against the Eagles in the double header match in August and September. Their calculation is coming to Uyo to pick a point and defeat the Eagles in Limbe. I will counter that with solid preparations and injury free squad, the table would turn against the Lions. Fact being that the present crop of Eagles are no nonsense lads that are hungry to the teeth.

“It is also believed that with the inclusion of some players that Rohr has penciled down and also got mutual nod they are now ready to lace their boots for the country, Eagles opponents must be too wary of them. It won’t be an easy one though, and both sides are quite aware,” he remarked.

The former midfield ace of the Eagles believes that once all the key stakeholders plan ahead and together too, despite what Cameroon may be showcasing as current credentials, these Eagles are ready to fly without looking back. “The Rohr-tutored boys have started to play as a team and one has come to realise that the tougher their opponents, the better their game follows. All what the players need is total encouragement and increased motivation that would make them hit the roof against the invaders from Cameroon.

“Once we get our priorities right, there will be less hitches. NFF, the players and the technical crew must be on the same page. All efforts also must be geared towards one stop preparation that would instantly produce outright victory against the intruders in Uyo ground battle, then after that, all eyes would be shifted to Limbe to top it up. I will opt for one game as it comes formula. Rohr is experienced and determined to qualify the team for the Russia 2018 football summit. He has not hidden that desire from day one and so, it is incumbent on NFF to work closely with him to achieve that result.

“The Eagles have started on a bright note in the tough group that houses former AFCON champs. It would be painful if the chance is burgled. No stone must be left unturned in our spirited bid to pick the sole group ticket for Russia. The cap fits the Eagles. With the kind of friendly games lined up and the AFCON 2019 qualifier game against South Africa in June, the Eagles will be sure of itself before the final cracker of a game against their arch rival,” he said.

The Benue State University, chief coach, described the second phase of the qualifier, as delicate stage which the NFF, Eagles and the technical crew must ensure every loophole discovered during the first phase must be blocked.

“There will be no much chances created during these games and Eagles must be trained towards making use of even half chance that comes its way. It must be converted into goals. That will be the language when hostilities resume. We must be ready for the worst to defend our lead in the group to the end,” he advised.

•Photo shows ex-international, Moses Kpakor.

Source Daily Sports

Posted February 19, 2017