By Ime Bassey

Former Flying Eagles midfielder, Peter Nieketien has appealed to Nigerians not to see the John Obuh-tutored side through the eyes of their pre-tournament in Panama as he believes that they will perform better in the competition proper.

Nieketien, a member of Flying Eagles to Chile ’87 stated that he is nor afraid of Guatemala but stressed that if the team cannot qualify from the group then something is really wrong with the country’s football.

“I am okay with the boys’ ability as I do not want Nigerians to judge them with the pre-tournament results especially that of Panama. I am certain that as they get into the competition proper, they will do us proud.

“I do not want to sound over confident just like I did before the Super Falcons outing in Germany, but if we had had Argentina or any of the Latin American teams in our group, I would have been scared but Guatemala, I am not worried.

“I am sure they will be able get through the group stage because if they cannot, it will be suicidal for us. It will spell doom for our football,” Nieketien said.