Former Super Eagles midfielder Mutiu Adepoju has tipped Nigeria to beat Congo in their Morocco 2015 African Cup of Nations qualifier in Calabar on Saturday.
But Adepoju, who spoke with our correspondent on the telephone during the week, advised the Eagles to approach the match with caution.
“The players need to approach the match with caution and be focused on the task ahead,” the Tunisia ’94 Africa Cup of Nations winner said.
The Kwara Football Academy Director believes that the players are in the right frame of mind for the encounter, despite the current crisis in Nigerian football.
The former Spain-based player said, “The crisis should not affect the players because they are professionals and can handle different situations.
“All they need is just to concentrate on how to win the match and get the maximum points.
“They should stay out of the crisis and concentrate on getting three points in the game.”
He said that coach Stephen Keshi could be trusted to win the game, saying the former Nigeria captain had proved his coaching credentials.
“Keshi is a professional. He knows the best strategy to use for each opponent and also knows how to get the needed result in the game.
“His approach to every game has always been good and the match against Congo won’t be an exception. He knows what to do and how to go about it.”
Meanwhile, ex-Eagles captain Henry Nwosu believes the NFF crisis may affect the chances of the team against Congo, saying the team have no adequate preparations for the game.
He said, “Nigeria can beat Congo but the problem on the ground may affect the team.
“If there is not a quick intervention in the matter by the appropriate people, the crisis can do further damage to the already bad situation.”
The 1980 Africa Cup of Nations winner said that the team would only rely on the experience of the regulars to do the job as the blending of the new players could not be achieved.
“There are experienced players in the team, who will help the team in the match and also help the new boys to settle, but that cannot take the place of good preparations. All we can rely on now is the coach’s game plan and the experienced players,” he said.
