Nigeria striker, Kelechi Iheanacho, says nobody can predict the outcome of the Super Eagles’ opening World Cup 2018 qualifying tie against Zambia, but is confident of the country’s ability to pick a World Cup ticket.
As Nigeria tackles Zambia on Sunday, the Manchester City rookie reckons that the Super Eagles have all it takes to win in Ndola.
“It is going to be difficult, we don’t expect to have it easy on Zambia’s ground,” Iheanacho said on Thursday in Abuja.
“Nobody knows what is going to happen but we have great hope in ourselves because we have great players that will make the difference against Zambia. It is not going to be easy but we will keep fighting as a team .”
The 20-year-old then reiterated his commitment to the Super Eagles as he eyes qualification glory in what would be his first major tournament.
“I will work hard for my country as an individual; and we are going to put in all hard work collectively as a team,” he continued.
Team captain, Mikel Obi, said the Eagles were prepared for the difficult tasks.
“We know what lays ahead. The World Cup ticket is precious to Nigerians and to us as players, starting from Sunday, we shall give the qualifiers all attention they deserve.”
Another Super Eagle, Elderson Echiejile has played down talks of any pressure on Nigeria.
“ I think it [the fixture] is a really good start for us. At least starting away is good because it takes off the pressure, so we will just go out there and get a good result. If we start very well with the away game that will be really good for us,” Echiejile said.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Football Federation ( NFF), on Thursday confirmed that the Eagles will tomorrow morning depart Abuja for Ndola via a chartered flight which will also transport some stakeholders to Ndola
“We have allocated slots to some stakeholders and a number of spaces are available after the players and team officials have taken their seats,’’ said the body’s second Vice-President, Shehu Dikko.
