Nigeria In Final Showdown With Ethiopia Over World Cup Ticket

SUPER Eagles coach Stephen Keshi has warned his side’s long unbeaten record in Calabar will count for nothing when they attempt to book their place in the World Cup finals against Ethiopia today.

The Super Eagles have not lost a World Cup qualifier at their UJ Esuene Stadium home and go into the second leg of the play-off with a 2-1 advantage secured in Addis Ababa last month.

“We have not qualified but are on the verge of doing so and we must not let down our guard at the crucial moment,” he told a press conference.

“Ethiopia are still a threat despite losing 2-1 at home because they are a very good side and have been together for up to five years.”

Keshi’s concern would seem well founded if his Ethiopian counterpart, Sewnet Bishaw, is to be believed.

Bishaw is certain that his side will overcome their deficit and secure a place at a World Cup finals for the very first time.

“Definitely, yes,” he said, when asked if his side can progress.

“The principle of the game is to win. We have seen the Nigerians, and the goals we gave away came from our own mistakes.

“We will try to correct those and face them in their country, and we hope to qualify there.”

Ethiopia will be boosted by the return of 21-year-old striker Getaneh Kebede after he missed the first match with a knee injury.