Chukwu wants friendlies for Eagles

Former Nigerian manager, Christian Chukwu has suggested top grade friendlies for the Super Eagles ahead of 2014 Fifa World Cup qualifier against the Harambee Stars of Kenya.

The Super Eagles will host the East Africans in a 2014 World Cup qualifying game at the UJ Esuene Stadium, Calabar on March 23.

Chukwu said after the Eagles emerged champions at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa the side have become the team to beat and cannot afford to enter into any contest ill-prepared.

“It’s now Super Eagles must be adequately prepared for competitions. We’re African champions, others will want to make history by doing everything to beat us.

“I think we should halt celebration over the Afcon victory and return to work immediately. We don’t have to relax. I’ll suggest we play one or two top friendlies before the encounter against Kenya on March 23,” said the former Harambee Stars coach.

The former Nigerian defender told supersport.com that if the Super Eagles do their home work very well the Harambee Stars will not pose a hard nut to crack.

“We’re not playing the Kenyans for the first time, we’ve played them severally. Kenya like any other East African side are full of energy capable of playing 120 minutes because of their altitude.

“We must not underrate them. I’m aware they just recruited a new manager. I don’t expect him to perform magic between now and the time we play them,” he said.