TheCable

A few days to the all-important 2018 World Cup qualification game against Zambia, Super Eagles technical adviser Gernot Rohr is preaching caution.

The Super Eagles gaffer says he’s very optimistic of Nigeria’s victory but said it will be foolhardy to underrate the Zambians.

“There is no pressure, we must not underrate the team of Zambia. I know that out here, everyone thinks it’s going to be an easy game but I will say it won’t be easy,” Rohr told TheCable.

“They are a good team now. They defeated Algeria home and away. This is my trouble, we need to focus to ensure that we don’t underrate this team and I will speak with my players not believe that it will be easy.

“What I heard from some of the Zambian staffs is that their team will come out here and defeat us.

“Well, I don’t make such declaration or proclamation when I am going into games. I have to respect the opponent.

“I want victory on Saturday but we don’t have to announce anything. All we want is just to have a good match.

“The Zambia team is also full of young players and they did very well and you know that it’s going to be difficult than our last game because they saw us already against Cameroon.

“They will not want to make the same mistakes they saw in that game and I am sure that they will want to have the same organisation like they had in Algeria.

“They can come out to counter play us but we have a team that can counter as well. We have a team that can defend well too.

“So, I am not afraid at all. All that I am concerned about now is to play well and win.

Rohr expressed faith in the defence of the Super Eagles as well as the entire squad, saying: “I am happy that we have a good defence now that can protect our goalkeeper.

“We know that we need a draw but in wanting to win we don’t have to take so many risks that might work against us.

“We are very quiet, we trust in our players and we believe that we can do it again.

“We played two great games against Cameroon. We have nearly the same list and everyone that’s coming is fit.

The coach said although a draw against the Chipolopolo is enough to guarantee World Cup qualification, he’d prefer to win for the fans.

“I know that a draw will be enough but I will love us to win so that we can celebrate well with our fans in Uyo that we have qualified for the World Cup officially after the game on Saturday,” he added.