Nigeria coach, Gernot Rohr has stated his team’s readiness to secure maximum points in the double-header AFCON qualifiers against Sierra Leone, in order to turn attention to World Cup qualifiers.
Super Eagles currently tops group L with six points, having won against Benin Republic and Lesotho in their opening games.
A win in Friday’s encounter and draw in the returning leg will see the three-time African champions qualify automatically for the continental showpiece billed for Cameroon.
Already, preparations are in top gear as the number of invited players surged to 19 with the arrival of Villarreal’s wing wizard, Samuel Chukwueze and CSKA Moscow’s, Chidera Ejuke.
Thus, the Franco-German disclosed that the game against John Keister’s side will not be handled with kid gloves.
“We do not in any way underrate the Sierra Leoneans that we play over two legs within these four days, but we have our focus and objective for the matches,” Rohr was quoted in a statement made available by the NFF.
“We want to win both games so we can have the ticket and be able to be little more relaxed for the final games.
“You know that next year, we also have the World Cup qualifiers to focus on. It is better to get the Africa Cup of Nations job behind us now.
“I am excited by the spirit of the players and their sense of dedication and commitment. We have not played a competitive match in a year, but they look very ready and good to go. Our mission is six points in these two matches.”
The Leone Stars would harp on any opportunity to pull something out of the Friday’s tie to boost their chances of qualifying for the tournament, following a sluggish start to the campaign which saw them draw Lesotho and lose to Benin Republic.
