President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Aminu Maigari yesterday charged the technical crew of the Super Eagles led by Coach Stephen Keshi to fashion out a plan that will see the team crush the Amavubi of Rwanda on Saturday without mercy.
Maigari insisted that though Nigerians have shown commendable understanding for the on-going re-building process, victory in Saturday’s 2013 African Cup of Nations qualifying match at the U. J. Esuene Stadium in Calabar is non-negotiable.
“We are happy to remain at the head of the qualifying group for the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification race, despite drawing in Malawi. But there will be no room for a draw on Saturday. It is a match we must win. I also want you to devise a strategy that will ensure a convincing win. We are re-building but there are matches that we cannot afford to let slip. This is one match that we must win. The NFF will continue to give you total support in all engagements, activities and programmes of the Super Eagles. Please go ahead and guarantee victory for Nigerians to be happy on Saturday,” said Maigari.
Responding, Coach Stephen Keshi said the crew and the players realize very much what Saturday’s clash means. “We know it is an important step for us to get back into the African Cup of Nations, which we missed this year. Everyone knows how critical this match is. However, we will play without pressure in order for us to deliver.” The Super Eagles will fly to Calabar this morning to firm up preparation for the clash with the Amavubi, which first leg in Kigali at the end of February ended 0-0.
Also yesterday, the Federation Rwandaise Football Association notified the NFF that its delegation for Saturday’s battle will be composed of 40 persons and will arrive in Lagos tomorrow aboard Rwanda Air.
NFF General Secretary, Barrister Musa Amadu has confirmed that the Rwandan delegation will be accommodated in Lagos tomorrow night before being flown to the Canaan City on Thursday morning. The Confederation of African Football has appointed Ivorian Noumandiez Doue to be Centre Referee for the crucial match. He will be assisted by compatriots Songuifolo Yeo (Assistant Referee 1), Moussa Bayere (Assistant Referee 2) and Bienvenu Sinko (Reserve Referee). The Match Commissioner if Abdoulaye Lawandji Mahamat from Chad.