BY JUDE OPARA, Abuja
As the Super Eagles go into the face-saving encounter today against the Falcons of Sudan in the ongoing 2015 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, the players have been advised to take the game calmly.

Former coach of the defunct Green Eagles, Heinz Marotske told journalists in Abuja yesterday that there is a huge opportunity to win the match if the players will shun the temptation to rush for early goals.

UNITED STATES, JACKSONVILLE : JACKSONVILLE, FL – Forward Jozy Altidore #17 of the United States shoots and scores his second game of the game behind defender Joseph Yobo #2 of Nigeria during the international friendly match at EverBank Field on June 7, 2014 in Jacksonville, Florida. AFP

According to him when a team goes for the early kill and that does not happen, the tendency for the players to become tensed up will be high and that will not augur well for the team.

“Personaly I have confidence in the team because they never intended to lose to both Congo and Sudan but I must warn that they must be patient and not be in a hurry to score. If we play 0-0 from there we can get one goal and win the game, don’t let us rush for goals.

“We all have seen that the defense has not been like it used to be in the past so they may be tempted to go out for goals but they should be very patient on the ball and we will win this match”.

The German-Nigerian also advised the football authorities and the coaches to open the camp so as to give other young and upcoming players the opportunity to fight for shirt.

However while admitting that there is the need for the technical crew to do more, Marotske said the coach should be given a contract if truly Nigeria wants him to handle the national team.