Nigeria defender Efe Ambrose has stated that  the double-header AFCON 2015 qualifiers  against Sudan will be the most difficult games for the team after failing to win in their first two games in the qualifying round.

“For me, it’s going to be the most difficult test for us as we had poor results in the games we played last month, so we need to win these two games to be in the race to qualify for the Nations Cup,”  he told the Celtic website.

“As the defending champions, we have to qualify, so these are games which will be intense. Sudan aren’t pushovers, and in Africa, every country wants to beat Nigeria which that makes it harder.

“We know what we need to do and the coach and the technical staff will have mapped out our strategy for us. So, it’s up to us to go out there, execute it and keep ourselves in good shape in the qualifying.”

Six points from those two fixtures would be an ideal early birthday present for Ambrose, who will celebrate turning 26 on his return from national service.

He hasn’t made plans how to mark the occasion as yet, but it will involve spending time with his young family.

“I should be back after being away with Nigeria so we will see what happens, but I will celebrate it with my baby and family at home,” added the player.