SUPER Eagles players and coaches have declared that they are determined to qualify for the Qatar 2022 World Cup.
The team gave the assuring statement during a virtual meeting with sports minister Sunday Dare and Nigeria Football Federation chiefs on Tuesday night, with coaches Austin Eguavoen and Emmanuel Amuneke and the players saying they are aware of the huge challenge from Ghana in next month’s playoffs.
Ghana’s Black Stars host the Super Eagles in Cape Coast on 24 March, with the return leg billed for Abuja three days later. The winners on aggregate will be rewarded with one of Africa’s five tickets to the Qatar 2022 World Cup scheduled for November and December.
“The FIFA World Cup is the biggest football tournament in the world, and every player wants to feature there,” Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa told the online gathering.
“A good number of the players in the team now have not been there, and the few of us that have been there want to experience it again. We just want the NFF to help us get enough fans into the Abuja Stadium for the second leg.
“We will go to Ghana and dig in our heels and ensure we get a result. We must admit that Ghana also want to qualify and they have a strong team. The return leg will be crucial and we are ready for the battle, but we want our fans to be in there cheering us on.”
Eguavoen, whose interim head coach tenure was extended after the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, expressed confidence in the players and their willingness to go all out for the ticket.
“It is always an honour to serve the country. I was impressed with the high level of discipline and commitment of the players at the AFCON in Cameroon, and I feel privileged to lead the group,” the former Super Eagles captain said.
“We have two tough games against Ghana next month but I am not too worried because we have a squad that knows it is a mountain that we have to climb. We have a good headache to deal with – which is a surplus of good players. I want to thank the Government and the NFF for all the support during the AFCON; we will need even greater support for the World Cup play-off.”
Amuneke said he was privileged to work with the team. “I have worked with some of the players in the U-17 and U-20 teams, and some others I have known for many years,” the former Tanzania head coach noted. “We have the team to earn the World Cup ticket and we will put our best foot forward for each game.”
Vice-captain William Troost-Ekong appealed to the government to ensure that the pitch of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja is in good shape for the return leg against the Black Stars. “We loved the pitch of the stadium in Garoua and it helped us play some good football. We would be delighted if the Abuja Stadium is in similar condition for the second leg.”
In his opening remark, Dare praised the players for their efforts at the AFCON, and expressed belief that lessons have been learnt from the defeat to Tunisia in the Round of 16: “I know you are still unhappy about the loss to Tunisia, but I want you to visit the anger of the defeat by Tunisia on Ghana. We all know about the history of the rivalry between Nigeria and Ghana in football, and this is one fixture that we must not lose.
“We know that dogged spirit is there in you, and we also want you to see yourselves as one big family. We have confidence in you that you can do it and will give you all the support. Coaches Eguavoen and Amuneke have smooth access to the NFF President and he will always be ready to provide what you need. As for the pitch of the Abiola National Stadium, we have experts working there all the time and I assure you it will be in perfect condition for the match.”
NFF President Amaju Pinnick charged the players to face the playoffs with determination. “These are two very crucial matches in which you have to give more than your best. Winning the World Cup ticket is non-negotiable.”
Among the players present were Musa, Ekong, Victor Osimhen, Abdullahi Shehu, Sadiq Umar, Jamilu Collins, Frank Onyeka, Semi Ajayi, Kelechi Nwakali, Wilfred Ndidi, Zaidu Sanusi, Joe Aribo, Oghenekaro Etebo, Daniel Akpeyi, Peter Olayinka, Taiwo Awoniyi, Moses Simon, Kelechi Iheanacho, Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze, Samuel Kalu and Henry Onyekuru.
