Ex-Super Eagles Defender Udeze Expects Difficult South Africa Clash, Bemoans Injury Crisis

Published: November 14, 2018

Former Super Eagles left back Ifeanyi Udeze believes Saturday's 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier will not be a stroll in the park for the Super Eagles and opines that a draw will be okay for the team.

Currently atop Group E of the qualification table Nigeria will qualify for the 2019 AFCON with a draw.

Udeze, who was in Nigeria's teams to the 2002 and 2004 Africa Cup of Nations in Mali and Tunisia where the Eagles were third place winners, spoke to Brila FM Lagos on his expectations.

"What matters most is going there and getting a point at least which is enough to qualify. Yes, I know the boys want to revenge the defeat to South Africa who came here to win but the most important thing to achieve qualification to the next Nations Cup," the onetime West Brom, PAOK defender said.

"The Eagles need to concentrate and be focused for the duration of the match. You need to block your midfield and defence when your players are tired.

''That's what I expect from the boys. I believe they can get something from this match,'' Udeze, fondly called 'Man Wey Sabi' by his fans stressed.

On a lighter note, Udeze revealed his pre-match ritual before a football match.

"I put my Bible on top of my boots in those days. I can read any verse in the book of Psalms from the Bible," Udeze concluded.

Izuchukwu Okosi