Super Eagles Skipper, John Obi Mikel, has said that Nigeria must qualifier for the Russia 2018 World Cup when they face Zambia in Uyo.
Mikel, who praised the recent performance of the Zambian team under Coach Wedson Nyirenda, however noted that the Eagles must win to get a ticket for the Russia 2018 World Cup.
The Super Eagles were held to a one all draw against Cameroon in Yaoundé which prevented them from qualifying earlier as Algeria failed to keep Zambia at bay.
Mikel commended the achievement of the young team so far in putting up a fight for a chance to be at the World Cup in Russia.
“I must admit that I applaud the resurgence of the Zambians this late in the qualifiers. Beating Algeria home and away is no mean feat. We will take them very serious on October 7 because they clearly have a new spirit. It is time we wrap this up.
“We have shown professionalism, dedication and determination to be at the pole position in a group tagged ‘Group of Death’.
“Commendations must go to the entire team and the Coach, but we must finish it up in Uyo and secure our ticket right there” He said.
Super Eagles forward, Odion Ighalo, has also called for focus ahead of the match, noting that the Eagles cannot engage in “irrelevant pre-match talking” but must get the job done in Uyo.
“We know Zambia is a strong team and they will come with full determination in Uyo, we cannot engage in irrelevant pre-match talking but deliver on the pitch.
“I have never played at the World Cup and like my other colleagues; we all want to be in Russia. This is like a final for us” Ighalo said.
Nigeria top group B on ten points with Zambia second on seven points. A win for Nigeria would qualify them for the World Cup with a match to spare against Algeria.
