Super Eagles’ Captain, John Mikel Obi, has declared that though the three-time African champions have respect for 2012 AFCON winners Zambia, the total commitment to ensuring early qualification for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Captain Mikel, who has had a marvelous run in the qualifying series, playing a commendable leadership role, said yesterday that he is fully dedicated to the assignment of leading his teammates out on the turf of Godswill Akpabio Stadium to secure the sole ticket in Group B on October 7.

“I must admit that I applaud the resurgence of the Zambians this late in the qualifiers. Beating Algeria home and away is no mean feat. We will take them very seriously on October 7 because they clearly have a new spirit. It is the time we wrap this up,” observed the Tianjin Teda of China midfielder.

Speaking further on the relative smooth-run the Eagles have had in this campaign compared to earlier FIFA World Cup qualifying races, the former Chelsea FC of England player pin-pointed professionalism, determination, and ambition as the factors that have swung the pendulum Nigeria’s way, whilst also heaping praises on Technical Adviser, Gernot Rohr.

“We have all shown professionalism, dedication and determination to be at the pole position in a group tagged ‘Group of Death.’

Meanwhile, Zambia coach, Wedson Nyirenda believes his team has an equal chance of qualifying for the 2018 World Cup ahead of the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

Second place, Zambia will need to beat group B leader, Nigeria in order to tie on 10 points with the Super Eagles with a game to play for both teams.

Nyirenda stated that Zambia is prepared for Nigeria’s trick on October 7 in Uyo.

“No matter the tricks that Nigeria will want to use (against us), they will not sway us from the
aim of booking a ticket to the World Cup” declared the coach, whose nickname is ‘Wada’.