Super Eagles staying calm

A cross section of Super Eagles on Wednesday allayed fears of playing under pressure against the Wayla Antelopes of Ethiopia in Addis Ababa.

A cross section of Super Eagles on Wednesday allayed fears of playing under pressure against the Wayla Antelopes of Ethiopia in Addis Ababa.

The match is the first of two-leg World Cup play-off qualifiers.

Shola Ameobi, also a striker with Newcastle United of England, said that playing under pressure always brings out the best in the team.

"That is what makes us so great, because there is always pressure in various forms. It is important that we channel that pressure in the right way so that it can drive us to achieve victory.

"I know, from my experience, that when I am under pressure, that is when I am able to find out the most about myself and that brings out the best in me.

"So, hopefully, that can be our motivation this week and then next month," he said.

Ogenyi Onazi, Super Eagles midfielder said the only thing the team needed was calmness and discipline to be victorious against the Ethiopians.

"Our mind is relaxed and we are all fully prepared for the game. We do not care about all that the Ethiopians have been saying; the most important thing is to prove our worth in the field of play.

"We believe that God will give us the strength and everything we need to win the game," he said.

Onazi said that teamwork was the key to victory against the Antelopes adding that football was not a one-man show.

Ahmed Musa, who plies his trade with CSKA Moscow, told NAN that the Super Eagles were not worried about the Ethiopians.

"The Ethiopians are the ones who should be worried about us, because we are the reigning African champions.

"I can't remember when last we lost to an African opposition," he said.

He assured Nigerians that the team was going to Addis Ababa to win, adding that anything short of victory was unacceptable.

"This is not the first time we are playing the Ethiopians; we understand their game very well and will overcome them by the grace of God," Musa said.

Chigozie Agbim, Eagles' third choice goalkeeper said the game was going to be tough because the Ethiopians were no pushovers.

He, however, expressed confidence that the Eagles will be victorious, saying: "It is very important that we win in Ethiopia.

"This is because a win will definitely confirm our ticket to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil," he said.

Agbim also said that going to the World Cup in Brazil would be the greatest achievement in his career.

Sunday Mba, Eagles' midfield maestro, said: "Although we expect to win the match, a draw would not be bad, because it would be better than losing the game.

"The spirit in the camp is very high and everyone is looking forward to the game. We believe we will get something from the game in Ethiopia.

"If we can do that, we will only come back home to consolidate in the return leg."