Football enthusiasts have expressed optimism that the Super Eagles of Nigeria would triumph over their Saudi Arabian counterparts, the Green Falcons in the upcoming friendly match in Portimão, Portugal, on October13.
The respondents who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday in Abuja, said that the outcome of the match would go a long way to inspire the Eagles ahead of the AFCON 2023 in Cote d’Ivoire.
Bumi Haruna, former U17 national football team assistant coach, said that the game was important for the Super Eagles, as it would boost their confidence.
“The game will also give them a chance to probably get increased points on the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) rankings.
“Eagles will produce a chronicle triumph against Saudi Arabia and Mozambique. It’s a game that is going to encompass a lot of things.
“Don’t forget, if the Eagles lose this game, It could have a negative effect on them,” he said.
He, however, advised the head coach of the Eagles, Jose Peseiro to take advantage of the match to work harder to bring positive results as he did in previous matches.
For Kazeem Amsad, a football scouting coach, the game would afford the coach the opportunity to select his best players ahead of the AFCON. “The Super Eagles coach would not like to be embarrassed nor would he want to share in the Argentine experience in the group stage at the World Cup.
“My advice to the players is for them to put in their best and not take the game for granted as their performance would determine their invitation for other competitions.”
Chioma Offor, a business woman, urged the Super Eagles to take the match seriously as it will go a long way to shape them for bigger games ahead.
NAN also reports that this will be the second meeting between the two countries at the senior level. The Super Eagles will also take on the Mambas of Mozambique on October 16 also in Portugal in a friendly.
