By Ben Efe
Ivorian home-based national team coach, Saraka Norbert admitted that it will be an uphill task turning the tables against their Nigerian counterparts, when they meet on July 27 for the second leg tie of the CAF African Nations Championship in Abidjan.
The coach stated that losing 4-1, two key players and the Eagles’ compact defensive activity are a major obstacle to his team getting the result that will halt Nigeria’s quest to play in their first CHAN tournament February next year in South Africa.
“The second-leg will be difficult for us. Because scoring three goals will not be easy.
“Though in football everything is possible, but I fear the Nigeria team. They play together behind and they abuse stimulation. If we manage to overcome their defence we will be able to rescue one or two goals,” said the coach.
He accused the referee who officiated the first leg of complicating matters for his team by sending off two of his best players.
“Indeed, when you lose a player like Roger Assalé and a central defender in the quality Gloudoueu Angel, then you can begin to worry.
“My players were brave in the first leg. But I say that arbitration was not correct. The laws of the game were not applied as it should be,” said the coach.