Super Eagles chief coach Salisu Yusuf says the team has fixed some of its defensive frailties in its last three matches.
The back four has been widely regarded as the Eagles Achilles Heel, but Yusuf says they have worked hard to make that department a lot more solid recently.
“The defence was a worry, but in the last three matches we have played, we have only conceded a goal,” he stated on a live television programme Friday.
“We are playing with a lot more discipline back in the defence with players who are playing regularly at their clubs.”
The central defence partnership of Leon Balogun and William Troost-Ekong will be dislodged for the upcoming World Cup qualifier in Zambia following injury to Balogun.
However, Yusuf said recalled Kenneth Omeruo and Jamiu Alimi will now battle to partner Troost-Ekong in the heart of the defence with last-minute replacement Uche Agbo from Granada CF expected to come around for the experience.
He also revealed that both he and head coach Gernot Rohr have adopted a 4-2-3-1 formation for the Eagles because that is what suits the team with the talent at their disposal now.
Meanwhile, Zambia has begun training for this month’s World Cup qualifier against Nigeria with several players bullish they will get past the Super Eagles in Ndola.
Goalkeeper Jacon Banda said with the right preparations Zambia will soar past the Eagles.
“The morale is very high and the team is focused on the Nigeria game,” Banda said.
“It is a very crucial game and I believe we have a team to overcome Nigeria.”
Zanaco midfielder Roderick Kabwe said team spirit is high and they will be ready for the Nigerian challenge.
“So far, so good we are preparing well for the game against Nigeria. The morale is high and the players are all very focused on the game,” he assured.
“We will be very ready for Nigeria next week.”
He added that the bulk of the squad have worked with coach Wedson Nyirenda and that will go a long way in helping the Chipolopolo get off to a winning start in front of their own fans.
“Some of us have been with the coach from Under-17 and we know him and he knows us, so all we need to do is follow his instructions,” he revealed.