Eagles focussed on winning—Mba
Super Eagles’ midfielder, Sunday Mba has reiterated that no form of distraction would hinder the country from booking a place in the play off phase of the 2014 World Cup.
Nigeria need a draw to qualify at the expense of Malawi who have seven points and are trailing the Eagles by two points in tomorrow’s game
In a chat with Goal at the Transcorp Hotel base of the team, Mba said the players and coaches were all on the same page with firm conviction to beat the Flames.
The Afcon winner stressed that no pressure would be felt by the Eagles despite the various antics adopted by the visitors ahead of the clash.
“Malawi is a big game and we are ready for it. We are here to work hard and get qualification for the final round that will take us to next year’s World Cup in Brazil,” Mba said.
“I know every country will always do everything to unsettle us but we are up to the task.
“I know that playing against the African champions is enough motivation to play against Nigeria but I want to assure you that we are here to win and also keep our qualification chances alive,” Mba said.
The match kicks off at 4pm Nigerians time.
..Team still missing Yobo—Enyeama
Goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama says captain Joseph Yobo is still badly missed in the Super Eagles set-up, as the team get set to host Malawi in a World Cup qualifier tomorrow.
Yobo, Nigeria’s most capped player, has not played for the Super Eagles since the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations last February in South Africa.
And Enyeama, who takes honour in deputising Yobo says the Fenerbahce back man is still being missed in the camp of the team.
“It’s a big honour to wear the (captain’s arm) band for this country. It’s also an honour to stand in place of Yobo. He is a great guy and an amazing person. He’s a great human being, Enyeama told supersport.com.
The Lille Metropole goalkeeper then expressed sadness at Yobo’s absence from the squad that will face Malawi.
“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 but I really wish he was here, Enyeama said.
“However, it’s an honour for me to captain this great side.”
The game will be played at the U.J Esuene stadium with Nigeria needing only a draw to advance to the final stage of Africa qualifier.
Echiejile raring to go
Super Eagles defender Elderson Echiejile was one of the late arrivals at the Calabar camp of the national men’s football team on Wednesday and having missed out on the day’s work out, the Portugal based left-back says he is now raring to go.
Echiejile who had planned to join his colleagues earlier than he finally did was tied up in Port Harcourt after poor visibility did not allow the flight boarded to safely land at the destination.
“Thank God for journey mercies, I have landed in Calabar finally, ready for whatever Malawi will come up with,” Echiejile said on arrival.
He added: “Late arrival in Calabar means I missed Wednesday training, but looking forward to the next one Thursday afternoon.
The Eagles will be up against their Malawian counterparts tomorrow and only need to avoid defeat to progress in their quest secure a berth at next year’s World Cup in Brazil.
500% bonus boost for Flames
Malawi will receive $500-a-man as bonus if they upset Nigeria on Saturday to qualify for the final round of the World Cup qualifiers.
This is over 500% increase from the usual $85 dollars win bonus The Flames receive.
Malawi Belgian coach Tom Saintfiet disclosed to MTNFootball.com on arrival in Abuja on Thursday: “My boys would be going home with a winning bonus of $500 compared to the $85 they received before.
“I don’t think the motivation for the players is the money but national pride. I am surprised when I hear that players of your Super Eagles are discussing money and winning bonus.”
Malawi could not stage a proper training camp before this match because of the financial problems facing Football Association of Malawi (FAM).
Saintfiet said he remains bullish about his team’s chances tomorrow in Calabar despite the 1-0 loss they suffered in their final warm-up game
“We made many changes (in that game) and really we are not worried about that result,” he defended.
“I’m focused on winning this match though there was no cash for a training camp.
“We work with what we have going by our financial limits, but I believe we will be ready for the match on Saturday.”
Meanwhile, Malawi have dropped two players from their squad to Calabar for the World Cup qualifier against Nigeria, following a 1-0 loss to Botswana in a friendly in Haborone.
Saintfiet dropped Bullets defender George Nyirenda and Lucky Malata of Silver strikers.
The team are two points behind their Saturday hosts Nigeria, who need just a draw to advance to the final stage of qualifiers.
The game will be played at the U.J Esuene stadium.
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