Russia 2018 Cracker: Nigeria Confronts Zambia In Crucial Tie

BY COBHAM NSA, ABUJA – Wrapping up a place in the 2018 FIFA World Cup slated for Russia will be uppermost in the minds of Nigerians as the Super Eagles confront Chipolopolo of Zambia on Saturday’s crucial qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital.

Conscious that victory in this weekend encounter will firmly secure their place at the World Cup fiesta, the Coach Gernot Rohr-managed Eagles cannot afford to fumble on home soil.

For the Zambians, their 0-1 return leg victory over Algeria in Constantine had handed them a touching chance to challenge the Eagles’ Group B headship and a revenge mission to atone for their painful 1-2 home loss in the first game provides an incentive to come out smoking against Nigeria this weekend.

So far untainted by defeat in the qualifying series, many soccer fans have warned the Eagles to be cautious of the youthful Zambians whose urge for an upset has been expressly conveyed by their Head coach, Wedson Nyirenda’s confident boast that they have all it takes to beat Nigeria for the World Cup ticket

However, millions of excited fans across the country believe the gods of soccer and Eagles’ sterling performance so far will conspire on Saturday to confirm Nigeria as the first African country to book a ticket to Russia next year.

Expectations are already running wild that Coach Rohr will not be tempted to change the winning team that took Indomitable Lions of Cameroon to the cleaners in their double header over a month ago.

With China-based Odion Ighalo commanding a starting shirt in the attack and Skipper John Obi Mikel oiling the supply channels from the midfield, Coach Rohr and his men look set to extend their current lead in the group to an unassailable six points with only a game against the Dessert Warriors of Algerians left on the card.

Though a draw would technically give Nigeria the desired edge as likely group winners, many fans told Forefront that the Super Eagles must guard against any slip that could present the Chipolopolo with a lifeline at the ‘Nest of Champions’ this weekend.

Nigeria’s Possible line-up:   Ezenwa; Echiejile, Balogun, Troost-Ekong, Abdullahi; Mikel, Onazi, Ndidi, Moses; Iwobi, Ighalo

Zambia’s Possible XI:  Mweene, Sunzu, Tembo, Kapumbu, Silwimba, Mtonga, Mwepu, Mulenga, Mbewe, Shonga, Daka

                                                GROUP B STANDINGS