Emmanuel Amunike says the Super Eagles must be at their best to beat Zambia

Jan 24, 2013 1:10:00 PM

The former international has revealed that the only way the Nigerian team can triumph over Zambia is if they do the right things

Former Nigeria international Emmanuel Amunike has told Goal.com that the Super Eagles must be at their best if they hope beat to Zambia in the second game of Group C in the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.

Amunike who is presently an assistant coach with the U-17 national team noted that the Super Eagles must approach the game like it is a cup final. He knows a lot about that having scored both goals in the 2-1 defeat of the Chipolopolo when Nigeria won their last Afcon trophy in 1994.

"The players must be at their best and improve their general performance in the next game against Zambia," Amunike told Goal.com.

"The game will be tough for the two countries. Zambia is one country that plays with a lot of determination and desire to win at all times.

"In 1994, we knew how they gave us all sorts of problems after losing an entire generation of players one year before the Cup of Nations in Tunisia.

"I saw the game against Burkina Faso and our players did not do some things right especially towards the end of the match. The boys must know what they want from the beginning of the match to the end.

"In all departments, there must be improvements and each must know and be conscious of the fact that only a victory will soothe the nerves of every Nigerian.

"The mistakes of the first match should have been corrected. Just like Nigeria, Zambia also need a win desperately.

"So it will be a battle of strong and determined players who should be ready to do their best from the beginning to the end of the game. No matter what happens, the players should keep their cool, convert their chances and defend like a unit.

"They should also play for each other and impose their game on the Zambians. Anything short of an outright victory will not help us in the last game against Ethiopia.

"They should play like real men and show football fans that they are ready to lift the trophy for the third time," Amunike concluded.

With one point each, Nigeria and Zambia will approach the game on Friday with all seriousness.

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