BY JACOB AJOM
Former handler of the national team and member of the Nigeria Football Federation technical committee, Christian Chukwu has appealed to Nigerians, particularly the sporting media not to give too much hype to this weekend’s crucial 2013 Africa Cup of Nations lest the players be put under undue pressure.

Speaking from Abuja Sunday, Chukwu said, “my appeal is simple. Don’t put too much pressure on the players. Don’t make them panic. It is a normal match which the coaches and players know the importance. But we should not make it sound as if the Guineans are coming from outside this world so that the players would not be under any pressure.”

He said the NFF had done everything to ensure the team achieved victory because it was a winnertakes all encounter.
“Yes you and I know that it is a crucial match. So do the players and the coaches. What they need now is our encouragement. All Nigerians must encourage them because we all need this match,”Chukwu said.

The former Rangers coach also spoke on Enyimba’s 1-0 loss to Wydad Casablanca in the first leg semi-final of the CAF Champions League. “It is not a bad result. The Moroccans will come to Aba and I know Enyimba will cancel the deficit and go ahead to win. If you have been following their home results you will know that losing 1-0 away is not a bad result for Enyimba.”

He refused to agree to insinuations that the former champions’1-0 loss to Heartland in the Federation Cup final played a role in their loss in Morocco. “No, continental football is a different ball game. With the support of the home fans and their pedigree Enyimba may be through.”