2010 WORLD CUP : Attitude’ll determine Eagles altitude

By Tony UBANI

NOVEMBER 14. This is the day that so many Nigerians look up to with mixed feelings. This is the day that the Green Eagles would know whether they would be part of the party that would partake in the World Cup in South Africa. This is the day the Eagles would engage the Harambee Stars of Kenya in Nairobi with their only option being to beat the Kenyans at home. The mission to beat the Kenyans would also not be enough as all hopes of Nigeria making it to the World Cup would be dependent on Mozambique beating Tunisia in Maputo.

All forms of mathematical equations have been conjured with so many optimists swearing that Tunisia cannot escape a thorough beating.  But coach Samson Siasia has come out to plead that the Eagles should be allowed to train in a high altitude area for the legion of Nigerian foreign-based players to acclimatize before the encounter. Former Super Eagles coach, Christian Chukwu who at one time was also the national coach of the Harambee Stars of Kenya has also warned that altitude and attitude of the players and the Nigeria Football Federation would determine Nigeria’s place in the World Cup.

“The altitude problem is important because it makes players not play up to their full strength. It makes breathing difficult and limits their performance. It is one key thing they have to think about as they plan for the important match”, Chukwu who remains optimistic that Nigeria could still pick a place in the World Cup cautioned.  Tunisia, Nigeria’s rival who leads with two points ahead of Nigeria are also plotting to shed blood if it is what it would take for them to become the first team to record a win in Maputo. The Mozambicans need a win to be able to qualify for the African Cup of Nations that comes up in Angola.