We will beat Kenya, says Agu

Super Eagles goalkeeper trainer, Aloysius Agu, says that the team will beat their host, Harambee Stars of Kenya, on Saturday to avoid disappointing Nigerians a second time.

Speaking from Abuja, Agu, a former goalkeeper himself, said: “We have all the motivations we need in Nigerians. The fact that we don’t want to disappoint them a second time is enough motivation. Our participation in the world cup is out of our hands; however, we can still salvage our pride in the eyes of our Nigerian brothers in Kenya. Only then can we dare to hope.”

“Kenya has never beaten us”

Although aware that the Kenyan’s have been motivated with 7500 dollars per player to defeat Nigeria on Saturday, Agu argued that “football is more than monetary motivation; the determination to win irrespective of the challenge posed by the opponent also counts. Also, Kenya has never beaten us”.

Although he agreed that the chances of the Super Eagles qualifying look dim, Agu insisted Nigeria can make it to South Africa adding that the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia will fall in Mozambique.

“Our focus is not on the Tunisia/Mozambique match; we will concentrate on Kenya and by the grace of God make it to the World Cup. Mozambique is not push-over, they will beat Tunisia,” he said.

Avoiding any distractions

Meanwhile, former Super Eagles captain, Austin Okocha, has advised the team to concentrate on the match instead of the Tunisia game in Mozambique.

Okocha, who is a consultant to the technical crew of the Super Eagles in the match, said, “The team has to do everything to secure victory in Nairobi where our opponent would be battling to pick a ticket for the Orange Africa Cup of Nations. For the Super Eagles, there is no other option than victory”.

Also, Nigeria and Lokomotiv Moscow striker, Osaze Odemwingie, has urged his colleagues to approach the game with a higher level of determination.

“It’s true that Kenya has never beaten Nigeria but that could just be the motivation they need to do well against us this time around. They want to go to Angola and will do all they can to make it happen.”