Malta Striker Effiong Fires Warning To Cahill, Smalling : I Have Played Against Better Defenders Chiellini, Bonucci

Published: October 07, 2016

Balzan striker Alfred Effiong is not quaking in his boots ahead of Malta’s World Cup qualifier against England at Wembley on Saturday despite prospect of facing some of the biggest stars in the English Premier League.

The Nigerian-born frontman said he is not scared of the Three Lions defenders - Gary Cahill, Danny Rose, Chris Smalling and John Stones- insisting that he has played against tougher defenders.

“Everyone is looking forward to the game tomorrow, the mood in the camp is good because everyone is of high spirit, ” said Effiong to allnigeriasoccer.com.

“I have never been scared playing football not minding who the opposition is, I have played against Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci of Italy and I believe they found it hard defending against me.

“ So I don’t think the England defense can be compared to that of Italy.”

Thirteen minutes passed when Effiong netted his maiden goal in the World Cup qualifiers, in Malta’s 5-1 loss to another Homes Nations team Scotland in September.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel