Nigeria’s football chief, Pinnick gives key reason why Super Eagles have to beat Central African Republic in October

The Super Eagles have so far been impressive in their 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign, thanks to victories over Liberia and Cape Verde. They face Central African Republic next and NFF President, Amaju Pinnick, says Nigeria’s performance against the Wild Beasts will influence the draws of the final qualifying round.

“Our next game is against Central African Republic,” Pinnick said, while speaking with Sports Salsa from the Cesaria Evora Airport in Cape Verde on Wednesday morning. “If we are able to beat them home and away with this same spirit – we are not undermining or underestimating any team – but once we beat them home and away, we are sure of points.”

The points will help Nigeria, who’s ranked 34th on the Fifa rankings, maintain their position on the Fifa standings. If the position is maintained, the Super Eagles will avoid getting drawn with other higher-ranked African nations, who will also want to avoid facing Nigeria.

“The most elemental part of it [beating Central African Republic home and away] is that we will maintain our Fifa ranking which is very, very key. If we maintain our Fifa ranking, we become first five and those first five will play the next five in the final qualifying round, which means we are going to avoid countries like Algeria, Senegal, Tunisia and Morocco,” Pinnick explained.  

The Super Eagles will face Central African Republic home and away in October before wrapping up return fixtures with Liberia and Cape Verde in November. The final round of the World Cup qualifiers will hold in March next year.