NFF President, Alhaji Aminu Maigari
NFF President, Alhaji Aminu Maigari says an emphatic win by the Super Eagles over the Mena of Niger in Wednesday’s international friendly in Niamey will help the confidence of the home boys going into the preparations for the 2013 African Cup of Nations qualifying match against Liberia in September.
Speaking in Saudi Arabia where he is attending the Umrah (lesser hajj), Maigari stated on Tuesday that the Eagles must go all out against their neighbours to the north.
“It is a friendly match, but the factors underlining the match means that our boys have to go all out. This is a match to see what the home boys can do as a unit, and it is what they are able to do that will
determine how many of them will be invited for the big one against Liberia.
“It will not be easy, because apart from the fact that there are no longer minnows in international football, Niger have a strong team that cannot be under-rated. The Mena have also qualified for the final round of 2013 African Cup of Nations, so they are a proud bunch.
“To win, and win emphatically, the Eagles must go out there strong and determined, and listen to the instructions of the Head Coach," said Maigari.
Wednesday’s international friendly is the fifth the Super Eagles would play this year, after a 0-0 draw with Angola in Abuja (January 11), 2-0 defeat of Liberia in Monrovia (February 15), 2-3 loss to Egypt in Dubai (April 12) and 0-1 loss to Peru in Lima (May 23).
The match will start at 3.30pm (Nigeria and Niger share same time zone) at the Stade Seyni Kountche Stadium, Niamey.