Emenike: Nigeria won't underestimate Mali after knocking out Cote d'Ivoire

Feb 4, 2013 8:55:00 AM

The Super Eagles striker is confident that his side can reach the Africa Cup of Nations final, but urged his team-mates to show their last-four opponents the respect they deserve

EXCLUSIVE
By Ernest Makhaya

Emmanuel Emenike has warned Nigeria that underestimating Mali in the Africa Cup of Nations semi-final could well prove costly.

The Super Eagles ousted pre-tournament favourites Cote d'Ivoire to reach the last four on Sunday, but the Spartak Moscow striker feels his team-mates must still be on their guard.

“We beat the team that everyone was talking about and I think we will make it to the final this year,” he told Goal.com.

“We will be making a big mistake if we take Mali for granted. We need to give them the respect that they deserve, because they fought hard to reach the semi-finals.

“I want to score as many goals as possible to help Nigeria win the trophy. Getting a top-scorer award will be a bonus because I am representing Nigeria and not myself."

Nigeria and Mali face one another in Durban on Wednesday.

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