• Palmgren plans to upset Nigeria
SUPER Eagles hero in Wednesday’s World Cup qualifier against Harambee Stars in Nairobi, Ahmed Musa, says it would be foolhardy to underrate Namibia when both teams meet in a World Cup qualifier next week.
Musa’s 81st minute goal gave the Super Eagles victory over the Harambee Stars, a result that put Nigeria two points above Malawi in the race to Brazil 2014.
Speaking after the game against Kenya, Musa said: “We are not there yet because any slip now would bring back Malawi and even Namibia to contention in our group.
“We will go all out against Namibia, we are not going to underrate them as the era of minnows and small teams is long gone,” he said.
Musa, who is mindful of the antics of some African teams in qualifiers like next week’s game, added: “We have experienced campaigners, who have played in all sorts of conditions in Africa, and I am sure that we will be ready for the game.
“We are getting ready for the match because we know how important this is to our quest to get to the 2014 World Cup. We also know that Nigerians love victory. The team spirit is high and we are all doing good.”
While Musa is looking forward to Nigerian victory in Windhoek, Namibia Coach, Roger Palmgren, says his team is primed to shock the Super Eagles on Wednesday.
The Namibians forced Malawi to a goalless draw at the Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre on Wednesday afternoon to remain third on four points in the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers CAF Group F.
According to Palmgren, a draw could only be the fair result for both sides but his side could have won the match as they had more chances.
“We created more chances then Malawi, Lazarus and Tangeni missed good chances. We played very well and our offensive play was great, but we could not score. I’m satisfied but victory but we could have done much better.”
Palmgren adds that he is pleased with the commitment from his players but they could have kept the ball more.
“Our players were very committed and disciplined but gave the ball way easily in the middle and that was not good. Malawi had more possession, but we have better chances.”
The coach says his team would make up for the draw when they meet Nigeria in Windhoek on Wednesday, adding, “I believe in this team, today they showed me what they are made off and we will be better prepared for Nigeria on June 12.”
Meanwhile, FIFA has announced that Eritrean officials will take charge of the crucial World Cup qualifier between the southern African minnows and the African champions in Windhoek
Maeruf Kherseed will work as centre referee for the match scheduled for the Nujoma Stadium in Windhoek.
Kherseed, 40, who became an international referee in 2008, will be assisted by compatriot, Berhe Tesfagiorghis O’Michael, 38, who is Assistant Referee 1, and who became an international assistant referee in 2004.
Hassan Egueh Yacin from Djibouti will be the Assistant Referee 2, with another Eritrean, Luelseghed Ghebremichael as fourth official.
The match kicks off at the artificial turf of the Sam Nujoma Stadium from 8.00 p.m. Namibia time.
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