W/Cup qualifier: Fresh mobilises Eagles against Zambia

Member of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) executive committee, Ahmed Fresh, has urged the Super Eagles to go all out for victory over the Chipolopolo of Zambia as both sides clash in Uyo, on Saturday in a decisive 2018 World Cup qualifier.

Nigeria lead the group with 10 points and victory on Saturday will seal the 2018 World Cup ticket for them regardless of the outcome of their last game against Algeria. Zambia follow on the table with seven points.

“The Super Eagles, having missed the opportunity of being the first African side to pick a 2018 World Cup on the last match day, must win against Zambia on Saturday,” Fresh told Tribunesport.

Fresh, who is also the NFF Referees Appointment Committee and chairman, Niger State Football Association, added that, “it is even imperative that they win and qualify for the World Cup to serve as their Independence Anniversary gift to Nigeria.

“Thank God, the players are all professionals and know what is at stake. I’m doubly sure they all want to go to the World Cup and are ready to do all of us proud by ensuring that Nigeria’s flag is hoisted at the World Cup in Russia next year.”

He noted that with the spirit in the team’s camp and the zeal and determination of the players, a win on Saturday should not be a surprise to anyone.

“The Eagles have left no one in doubt right from day one of the qualifiers that they are determined to go to the next World Cup. This they did by beating the Zambians in Ndola and they have since proved that that result was not a fluke in their other matches in the series so far.

“The team have proved that they are determined to be at the World Cup next year with their performances in the qualifiers so far,” he told Tribunesport.

Fresh assured that the NFF is not leaving any stone unturned in ensuring that the Eagles win the all-important match, saying that, “on our part as a Federation, we are doing everything possible to mobilise as well as motivate the team to victory.”