Former Nigeria international, Peter Nieketien has charged Super Eagles’ coach, Samson Siasia to give starting shirts to only “hungry players” against the Syli Nationale of Guinea.

Eagles are in a must-win game against their Guinean counterparts in the race for the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations Group B sole ticket.

The encounter comes up at the National Stadium in Abuja on October 8.

Guinea lead Group B on 13 points followed by Nigeria’s 10 and Nigeria must avoid defeat in order to book passage to the biennial football showpiece in Gabon/Equatorial Guinea.

Nieketien told SuperSport.com that only the best legs should be considered for the duel.

“Players should be given shirts on current form not on past records. In addition to that only players who are hungry and ready to spill blood if need be should get Siasia’s nod.

“The match is crucial, any slip we will be gone forever. So it is not a match we must toil with or give shirts out to players on sentiment.

“Guinea will be tough, as they have always been tough and I see them getting tougher. They enjoy an advantage at the moment and surely they will apply all tricks to stay afloat.

“That is why we must pay attention to players who are psychologically focused and fit to prosecute the game,” he said.

Although, the former Iwuanyanwu Nationale midfielder is sure Eagles will carry the day, he is cautious on the 2pm kickoff time.

“I am not comfortable with the kickoff time; I don’t know how our Europe-based players will cope with the expected harsh weather.

“I pray they arrive on time to acclimatize. I know we will win at the end of the day but we must avoid giving our opponents an undue advantage,” he warned.