As the camp of the Super Eagles opens in Kigali Sunday, former Nigerian Internationals Tony Emedofu and Boston Omosigho as well as family and friends of the team’s immediate past caretaker coach and Technical Director of Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, Augustine Equavoen, have gone into fasting and prayers for the Eric Chelle-led Super Eagles as they take on Rwanda in Kigali this Friday.
Speaking in Benin at the weekend on whether the Super Eagles could conquer Rwanda and Zimbabwe, Emedofu predicted tough duels both in Kigali and Uyo, stressing that both games are tests for Chelle.
“These games are going to be baptism of fire for Eric Chelle. I know that these qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe will be tough. Victories over Rwanda and Zimbabwe lie in the hands of the players and the technical crew. It is practically possible for the Super Eagles to run over Rwanda right in front of their home fans, ” he said.
Emedofu, who is currently the assistant coach of football with the Edo State Sports Commission, said Rwanda is not a country to give Super Eagles sleepless night, adding that Chelle’s tour of Europe will pay off if only the players can swallow their pride and ego and do what is expected of them.
Omosigho also expressed optimism that the Super Eagles have all it takes to destroy Rwanda and Zimbabwe, adding that all they need is absolute concentration and determination.
“If our players are determined to beat Rwanda and Zimbabwe they will. I told my friends that I cannot develop heart attack because of Super Eagles matter. I feel the coach knows what he is doing, but the only thing that will hinder them is interference from the NFF. If he is allowed to select his first team, Eagles can shock any team in Africa.
Again I want to advice Eric Chelle, not to build his team around one man, football is a team work, they should know that all eyes will be on Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and Victor Boniface, the reason is that they are currently on top of their career. Chelle, should have a joker that will do the damage for him. They must play their hearts out because they are aware of the dangers of not being at the World Cup,” he warned.
Meanwhile, families and friends of Equavoen have gone into fasting for the success of the Super Eagles with his elder brother, former player and now coach, Monday Equavoen disclosing to Vanguard Sports that their family members and friends are praying for the team’s success even though their brother is no longer in charge of the team
“We are interested in the success of the team. It doesn’t matter who is the head coach, we want the best for the team. My junior brother Austin Equavoen, as the Technical Director of the NFF and the Super Eagles, it is important for Nigeria’s football to succeed. We the family members are praying seriously for their success, so also his friends in Benin. I know by the grace of God the Super Eagles will definitely be at the World Cup,” he stressed.
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