Super Eagles’ new first assistant coach, Imama Amapakabo has declared that the Nigerian team will not hold their visitors from Libya with levity in Saturday’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, as footballlive.ng reports that they fully respect the North Africans.
The former Rangers of Enugu and El-Kanemi Warriors of Maiduguri handler said the fact hat Libya are top of the table in Group E of the AFCON 2019 qualifiers mean they are a good team, and stressed that the Eagles will accord them that recognition on Saturday.
Imama, though, quickly interjected that talking about respect for the opponent is not the same as ‘fear,’ hence his verdict that the Nigerian team will not be under any form of pressure in their search for victory.
The ex-youth international goalkeeper admitted that the Eagles are in for difficult games at home in Uyo and in the second leg in Sfax, Tunisia, but said they are prepared to get the better of the Libyans in both ties.
He declared: “The mood in camp is good, everybody is prepared for the tough task ahead.
“We know the quality of the Libyans knowing full well they sit at the top of the group.We respect them,
“We have two difficult games against Libya knowing that they are no pushovers. We also know how important the games are.
“That’s why we are working very hard to achieve the best results which is winning come Saturday and then on Tuesday.”
