Uche Okechukwu is backing Nigeria to run out winners against Congo in their Morocco 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Calabar on Saturday, insisting the Super Eagles have the quality to nullify the Red Devils’ physical threat.
African champions Nigeria have met Congo nine times in all competitions, with the Eagles triumphing on five occasions, drawing thrice and losing once to the Cameroon’72 Africa Cup of Nations champions.
The encounter will be the Eagles’ first match since they suffered a 2-0 defeat at the hands of former world champions France in their second round clash to exit Brazil 2014 World Cup.
Congo have an unpleasant reputation for their hard tackling and defensive game, but Tunisia ’94 Africa Cup of Nations winner Okechukwu believes the Eagles will pick up three points in the game, despite the Central African’s unorthodox tactics.
“We’ll beat them if we do our homework well,” the former Nigeria defender, who started alongside (current Nigeria coach) Stephen Keshi in the defence when the Eagles defeated Congo 1-0 in a crucial USA ’94 World Cup qualifying game in Pointe Noire on December 20, 1992, told our correspondent on the telephone during the week.
“Yes, they (Red Devils) are a physical side, and I believe our players are ready for the challenge.
“Most of our opponents adopt a defensive and physical approach to frustrate us because they know we have technical players.
“We have players who can move the ball quickly to the attack if they are not checked. Our opponents know this and I expect the Congolese to be hard on our attackers and midfielders.
“But they can’t stop us from winning the game. I don’t see the Eagles winning the game by a wide margin. I think it will be a narrow victory for us.
“We should accept whatever performance the team put up, provided we take three points from the encounter.
“The Eagles will struggle to impress in the game because there are new players in the team – they need time to settle in. The first match is always very difficult, but I think they (Eagles) will improve in the second game (against South Africa on Wednesday).
However, the Atlanta ’96 Olympic Games gold medallist warned the Eagles not to underestimate the Red Devils, saying they could spring a surprise in the clash.
“I’m glad that Keshi is still in charge of the national team. He has proved himself and knows what to do,” the former Fenerbahce defence star said.
“There are no longer minnows in football. The game is growing everywhere and we can’t afford to underestimate the threat posed by Congo to our bid to defend our title. But I still don’t think Congo can beat us or get a draw.
“We have better players than them. Our quality will show in the game. But I still don’t think we will beat them with a wide margin. But our players shouldn’t take victory for granted.”
Okechukwu backed Keshi’s invitation of players for the encounter, calling for support for the team.
“Keshi believes in the players and he should be given a chance,” Okechukwu, who represented Nigeria at the USA’94 and France ’98 World Cups, said.
The retired former Iwuanyanwu Nationale and Bronby star won silver at the 1990 Africa Cup of Nations in Algiers and bronze at the 1992 finals in Senegal.
