Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi and his
captain Vincent Enyeama said on Saturday that the Super Eagles will give
their best when they tackle world and European champions Spain in their
make-or-break match at the Confederations Cup.
Nigeria
go into Sunday’s game level on points with Uruguay in Group B, but with
the South American champions expected to comfortably beat minnows
Tahiti, Nigeria will probably have to overcome the group leaders to
stand any chance of reaching the semi-finals.
Spain have not lost at a tournament since a shock defeat by Switzerland in the opening game of the 2010 World Cup, but despite the glittering array of players in their line-up, Enyeama says Nigeria will not be afraid.
Keshi bristled at the suggestion that victory for Nigeria would represent a famous upset.
“Would it be a rare result? I don’t think so. There are two teams that are playing and one has to win,” he said.
“We have a lot of respect for Spain — they’re the world and European champions — but we’re African champions, and Africa is a great continent.
“So a little bit of respect for us, please. If we go out there and beat Spain tomorrow (Sunday), it’s because we’re good to win the game.”
Keshi has concerns over the fitness of Nnamdi Oduamadi and Ahmed Musa, both of whom sustained injuries in Thursday’s 2-1 loss to Uruguay, and said a decision would be made on their availability on the morning of the game.
Enyeama believes pride will drive the team on despite Spain’s tag as favourites.
“I don’t think there’s any Nigerian player here who is scared,” the goalkeeper said during the pre-game media conference at Fortaleza’s Estadio Castelao.
“We’re so proud of our teams in Nigeria. The teams in Spain are much bigger than the teams in Nigeria, but we’re very proud of our league and we’re proud of our country.
“We’re here to represent our colours and we’ll stake everything for our colours. We respect Spain, they’re a great side, but we’re not afraid of them.”
Nigeria
go into Sunday’s game level on points with Uruguay in Group B, but with
the South American champions expected to comfortably beat minnows
Tahiti, Nigeria will probably have to overcome the group leaders to
stand any chance of reaching the semi-finals.Spain have not lost at a tournament since a shock defeat by Switzerland in the opening game of the 2010 World Cup, but despite the glittering array of players in their line-up, Enyeama says Nigeria will not be afraid.
Keshi bristled at the suggestion that victory for Nigeria would represent a famous upset.
“Would it be a rare result? I don’t think so. There are two teams that are playing and one has to win,” he said.
“We have a lot of respect for Spain — they’re the world and European champions — but we’re African champions, and Africa is a great continent.
“So a little bit of respect for us, please. If we go out there and beat Spain tomorrow (Sunday), it’s because we’re good to win the game.”
Keshi has concerns over the fitness of Nnamdi Oduamadi and Ahmed Musa, both of whom sustained injuries in Thursday’s 2-1 loss to Uruguay, and said a decision would be made on their availability on the morning of the game.
Enyeama believes pride will drive the team on despite Spain’s tag as favourites.
“I don’t think there’s any Nigerian player here who is scared,” the goalkeeper said during the pre-game media conference at Fortaleza’s Estadio Castelao.
“We’re so proud of our teams in Nigeria. The teams in Spain are much bigger than the teams in Nigeria, but we’re very proud of our league and we’re proud of our country.
“We’re here to represent our colours and we’ll stake everything for our colours. We respect Spain, they’re a great side, but we’re not afraid of them.”
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