Eagles must deliver 2018 W/Cup ticket in Uyo —Dalung

Minister of Youth and Sports, Barrister Solomon Dalung says the Federal government is upbeat about the Super Eagles’ hope of clinching the 2018 World Cup ticket.

Nigeria host Zambia’s Chipolopolo tomorrow at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, in a crucial World Cup qualifier which could determine who picks the Group’s slot to Russia 2018.

Dalung urged the Super Eagles to put up a worthy display against the second placed Zambia.

“This match is a very important one for both teams as the result will play a key role in determining who will be at the World Cup in Russia. We started the World Cup qualification campaign in Zambia and we beat them 2-1 in the presence of their President and their home crowd. We have maintained the lead after a 4-0 routing of Cameroon here in Nigeria last month .

“Despite topping the group, we will not leave anything to chance against the Zambians who will be desperate to record an upset against us. We saw what Zambia did to Algeria on match day 4 of the World Cup qualifying series and we cannot afford to be complacent against a team who will be desperate to make a difference,” he said.

Dalung who would be physically present in Uyo to motivate the Super Eagles stated that the Gernot Rohr-team must ensure the fall of Zambia.

“We must get the job done for the sake of all football-loving Nigerians. The Super Eagles must be aware that a lot depends on this game, so they need to step out against Zambia with their target being the maximum three points. A victory in Uyo against Zambia is non-negotiable.”

“The Super Eagles have prepared very well and they have also been mobilised. The team are in high spirits and we want to assure Nigerians that we will definitely make good our promise  of delivering the 2018 World Cup ticket to Nigerians,” he said.