Eagles’ clash with Zambia too good to miss – Coach Rohr

Super Eagles’ Chief Coach, Gernot Rohr, says his team’s clash with the Chipolopolo of Zambia in Uyo on Saturday will be a good game to behold.

Speaking in Uyo at a pre-match press conference, Rohr said the encounter would be tough because the stakes were too high as Nigeria and Zambia would know whether they will be going to the 2018 FIFA World Cup at the end of the match. 

“It would be because it is a decisive game for both teams,” he said. “The two teams play very good football, though with different styles,” he said. “It is going to be an interesting match, too good for any one to miss.” 

“They have a team with lots of young people, who are quick strikers. But their style of play with Cameroon is a reference point for us.” The Eagles coach however said the match would be more difficult than the September 1 match with Cameroon at the same venue in Uyo, which his team won 4-0. 

He also said the Chipolopolo team had changed since the first encounter with the Super Eagles in Ndola about a year ago in the Russia 2018 Qualifiers, which the Eagles won 2-1. “Zambia’s team a year ago is not the same one with what we have now. They have changed a lot, and they have many young players who have come in from the under-20 team. 

“So, we have a different team we are going to play against now. We therefore need to have the creativity to change something to be able to surprise them,” Mr. Rohr said. He said in spite of the Super Eagles’ advantage of having 10 points, three more than the Chipolopolo who have seven points, his team were determined to win the match. 

“We have to win. If we have a draw, it will not be enough for us to go through. We have to win this game. “We are confident as a team. I feel a big motivation in my team. 

We have trained very well.” He said his team was in high spirits with no injured player among the 23 in camp, while his choice of players would be based on physical fitness, mental strength and calmness.

Vanguardngr