Former Watford and Nigeria defender Benedict Iroha has issued a firm warning to the Super Eagles ahead of their crucial CAF World Cup play-offs final against DR Congo, reminding them that reputations count for nothing in the modern game, Footynaija.com reports.
On paper, the Super Eagles head into the must-win encounter as favourites. Their pedigree on the African continent as well as their array of quality players across the full length of the pitch does put them at an advantage over a DR Congo side ranked 19 places below them by FIFA.
However, DR Congo’s qualifying campaign, seven wins, one draw and just two defeats, combined with their shock victory over Cameroon in the play-offs semi-final, suggests the Leopards are far from underdogs and capable of unsettling any team that underestimates them.
Related Post
Iroha echoed that belief, urging the Super Eagles to approach the clash with full concentration and respect for their opponents.
What Benedict Iroha said
“I believe the Super Eagles are now in a strong position to get the World Cup ticket. Their confidence is high even though I know the match versus DR Congo will be tough,” Iroha remarked in an interview with Complete Sport.
“DR Congo’s win over Cameroon shows that there’s a shift in football powers and that there are no minnows in the game anymore. So, the Super Eagles should not take the game against DR Congo lightly.
“For DR Congo to have defeated Cameroon shows their strength and quality. It means they are a strong side and the Super Eagles should be aware of that.
“It’s now or never. It’s what we normally call ‘the battle of Mombassa’. A win now takes us (Super Eagles) to the World Cup Intercontinental play-offs, and we cannot afford to make mistakes.”
The fate-defining clash will take place on Sunday, November 16 at the Prince Heritier Moulay El Hassan Sports Complex and with both nations absent from Qatar 2022, it promises to be an enthralling contest between two sides desperate for a return to football’s grandest stage.
