Ex-international George Abbey has warned the Super Eagles to expect a tough game when they battle Cameroon during
the second phase of the Russia 2018 World Cup qualifier scheduled for next year.
The Eagles, who are seating comfortably on the table in group B of the World Cup African qualifying games after beating Zambia 2-1 and Algeria 3-1, are expected to play the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon in August 2017.
But Abbey who featured for the Eagles at the 2004 African Nations Cup in Tunisia, urged the Nigeria Football Federation
to work out modalities to keep the team active ahead of next
year’s qualifiers.
“The back-to-back games against Cameroon will determine our fate in the qualifying race for Russia 2018,” he told New Telegraph from his base in England.
“The long time difference is going to affect the Eagles
because many players would have been burnt out due to the long season while others might lose their form due to the fact that they are not playing regularly for their clubs.
“Another crucial thing is the fact that some of our top
players might be injured and that will make the work so enormous,” he added.
Speaking further, Abbey, now a certified physical and fitness
trainer said: “Apart from the rivalry against Cameroon, it is going to be a very tough and decisive match and we don’t have any other option than to win the beat the Indomitable Lions in Uyo before going to Cameroon for the return leg.”
“The NFF should source for quality friendly matches to keep the team in shape and maintain the momentum,” he said. Since the appointment of Coach Gernot Rohr, the Super Eagles are yet to taste defeat, winning their three games under the German coach, with two coming in the World Cup 2018 qualifiers.
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