“My main concern is Cape Verde”

Nigeria will take on Liberia and Cape Verde in their 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign this month. The Super Eagles will first meet Liberia at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos on Friday, and while Daniel Amokachi expects victory against Liberia, he’s concerned about how the Super Eagles will fare against Cape Verde.

“Nigeria is ready. The players are ready. I’m not worried about Liberia,” Amokachi, speaking with sports journalist, Tayo Ogunseye, said. “My main concern is against Cape Verde because we’ll be losing a lot of key players.”

Nigeria’s England-based players — Kelechi Iheanacho, Wilfred Ndidi, Iwobi, William Troost-Ekong and Peter Etebo — will all be available for Friday’s match against Liberia, but will immediately travel back to England because of the Premier League’s Covid-19 restrictions.

Therefore, the Super Eagles could face Cape Verde, who recently drew 1–1 against Central African Republic, with a depleted squad. Amokachi says he’s wary about the Cape Verde team but sounded optimistic about the Super Eagles’ chances.

“Cape Verde just went and drew away from home and they’ll come back all guns blazing,” the 48-year-old Super Eagles legend said.

“Our victory [on Friday against Liberia] by the Grace of God will keep the players motivated and focused.”

Nigeria will travel to face Cape Verde on Tuesday, 7 September.