Keshi says Ethiopia Will Be Hard Nut to Crack

Posted by African Examiner Sports News Friday, September 20th, 2013

…predicts upsets in final round

Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi

Super Eagles coach, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi has spoken for the first time since the draws for the final round qualifier for the Brazil 2014 World Cup qualifier, (Africa zone), were held last Monday in Cairo, Egypt. The draw pitched the Super Eagles against the Wylan Antelopes of Ethiopia.

“I have a lot of respect for the Ethiopians and all the teams that made it to the last round of the qualifier and I am certain that it will be tough, unpredictable and exciting for both the so called big teams and the minnows”, he said. Speaking specifically on Ethiopia, Keshi who is on a brief visit to his family in the United States, said he foresees a very difficult opposition in the East Africans, assuring that the Eagles will not disappoint.

“The last time we played the Ethiopians it was quite tough and I know when we meet next it’s going to be the same thing. All we need to do is to be focused, concentrate and pray for good health for our best players and the rest will be history”.

Keshi also said all the ten teams that made it to the final qualifier round are equally matched and warned those teams having an air of superiority to beware, because there might be upsets in some of the games if the opposition is underrated. He said his list for first leg encounter in Addis Ababa will be released on time but assured that all the players are aware of the enormous task of qualifying for the World Cup and the team show the stuff it’s made of when the games are held.

-Ben Alaiya, MEDIA OFFICER, Super Eagles