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28.03.2009 Football News

Super Eagles Play Down Mozambique Threat

By Daily Guide
Super Eagles Play Down Mozambique Threat
28.03.2009 LISTEN

Ikechukwu Uche GETAFE of Spain striker, Ikechukwu Uche, says the Mambas of Mozambique are not as strong as they were made out to be, adding that the Super Eagles are capable of beating the hosts tomorrow in their first match of the second round of the 2010 World Cup qualifying series.

The Eagles travelled to Maputo yesterday after spending the better part of this week training in South Africa to acclimatise to the Southern Africa weather.

"We are all fired up for the job of beating Mozambique," Uche said. "We know the importance of getting a good result in our first match and everybody is determined to make this game a good outing for Nigeria.

"Agreed there are no more small teams in international football, but that does not mean that we will lose to Mozambique. I can assure our fans that we will get a good result on Sunday."

On his personal ambition in the game, Uche said, "the most important thing is for us to pick the three points. It does not matter who scores as long as we win. In our team, we have such prolific strikers as Martins, Osaze and Obinna, and anybody can score. But personally, I want to score two goals to continue the good run I started in the first round."

About 20 players are in the Super Eagles' camp, with vice captain Joseph Yobo and the reportedly flu-stricken midfielder John Mikel Obi being the latest arrivals. Obi was cleared to join the team by Chelsea FC chief medical officer, Dr Bryan English, through a letter sent to the NFF on Tuesday, and he promptly flew the long haul (11 hours) British Airways from London to Johannesburg with injured Yobo.

Both players were immediately put on the short flight to Nelspruit, and connected with the team in Mthunzi Lodge, Hazyview. On Monday, goalkeepers Austin Ejide and Bamidele Aiyenugba, defenders Ayodele Adeleye, Danny Shittu and Taye Taiwo and forward Joseph Akpala arrived in camp, followed on Tuesday by skipper Nwankwo Kanu, strikers Obafemi Martins, Osaze Odemwingie and Obinna Nsofor, defender Onyekachi Apam and midfielder Olufemi Ajilore. On Wednesday, Kalu and Ikechukwu Uche, defenders Obinna Nwaneri and Chidi Odiah, goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama and midfielder Sani Kaita arrived in South Africa.

 

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