The Super Eagles' technical crew will give players, who
have not had the opportunity to play for the country in
the on-going Russia 2018 World Cup qualifying series
to feature in the last game against Algeria. That is, if
the Eagles beat Zambia next month to confirm
Nigeria's qualification for the Copa du Mondo.
Zambia surprised bookmakers on Tuesday when they
went to Algiers to beat Algeria in their matchday four
game. That victory took Zambia seven points, three
lower than Nigeria, who will host them in Uyo on
October 7.
A win in that game guarantees Nigeria the ticket to
Russia 2018 World Cup. The Guardian learnt that fringe
players, including home-based stars and some based in
Europe were originally billed to take on Zambia until the
Chipolopolo took the decision out Coach Gernot Rohr's
hands in Algiers.
One of the officials, who pleaded anonymity, said in
Yaoundé on Monday that the qualifiers also serves as
preparation for the World Cup, adding that it has given
the coaches the opportunity to assess the mentality of
the players that have featured in the series.
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"The coaches know what the players in the CHAN team
can do, but they also want to see them in grade A
games. "If as expected We beat Zambia to qualify for
the World Cup, there will be no need to play against
Algeria with the players in the main team," he said.
Meanwhile, Algeria manager, Lucas Alcaraz has written
off Zambia's chances of qualifying for the 2018 World
Cup in Russia, insisting that they should channel their
energy into qualifying for the 2022 World Cup.
"Zambia has a balanced squad with a blend of
youngsters but I don't think they can make it for the
World Cup in Russia," reports Daily Mail Zambia.
"I know it was an interesting result in Cameroon, which
gives hope to other teams, but still the momentum is
with Nigeria.
"Zambian coach [Wedson Nyirenda] has a good team
but I think he should concentrate on building a strong
team with the focus on qualifying for the 2022 World
Cup.
"I believe the Qatar target is attainable if they can
maintain the same performance."
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