Eagles ‘ll deal with Zambia – Keshi

By John Egbokhan
Coach Stephen Keshi has said that the Super Eagles were capable of dealing with the threat that Zambia, the reigning African champions will pose to the title hope of Nigeria in the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.

Nigeria were pitched in Group C, comprising Zambia, Ethiopia and Burkina Faso at the finals draw held Wednesday in Durban, with the top two teams progressing to the quarterfinal of the 16-nation tournament holding from January 19 to February 10 in South Africa.

In their last two meetings at the Nations Cup, the Nigerians had the last laugh, and as the two heavyweights prepare for their Group C clash on January 25, Keshi told CCTV in Durban that the Eagles know the Zambians all too well and can handle them on the pitch.

While admitting that the African champions would start as favourites, Keshi, who captained Nigeria to Nations Cup glory in 1994 in Tunisia, at the expense of the Chipolopolo, said that the Eagles were going to rely on good preparations and unrivalled players’ commitment to get another victory over Zambia.

“Zambia are the team to beat. They are the defending champions, so all eyes would be on them. Our eyes are already on them. It is going to be an interesting match and I know that with good preparations and determination that we can deal with their threat.

“With our opponents now known, our journey has started and I hope to get the players in the mood for this upcoming task, a job, which we must ensure we execute properly and professionally”, added Keshi.