Zambian players, managers and fans alike are all in buoyant mood ahead of their trip to Nigeria to face the Super Eagles.
Having recorded impressive back-to-back victories over Algeria, the Chipolopolo are utterly confident of clipping the wings of their hosts on Saturday.
Nigeria hold a three-point advantage over their South African guests who are aiming to qualify for their first FIFA World Cup final.
“There is nothing sinister about the Nigeria game, it’s a game like any other we have played before,” said Zambia deputy skipper, Ziyo Tembo.
“Yes they have a good side and have quality players and we can’t take that away from them but they are beatable.
“Nigeria’s dominance over us is history for we are looking at the future and what will matter most in the game is our application on the pitch.”
Indeed, Nigeria’s 20-year dominance may become history if the country fails to hunt down some of Wedson Nyirenda’s key players.
Here are three of such players.
- Brian Mwila
South Africa-based forward, Brian Mwila, flaunts an impressive return for his country. The 24-year-old has scored an unbelievable seven goals in just eight games since making his debut early in the year. It’s as though the charismatic forward is destined to score every time he dons the Green and Black stripes. He is currently his country’s top scorer in the qualifiers with two goals.
- Fashion Sakala
Christened “giant slayer” for his heroics away to Algeria, Fashion Sakala is another star capable of hurting Nigeria. Like Mwila, Sakala was given his first shot with the Chipolopolo early in the year and took it graciously with both hands. Now, the 20-year-old has established himself as an indispensable member of Nyirenda’s team and will definitely be poised to continue his fine form on the road at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.
- Kennedy Mweene
In the event that Mwila and Sakala fail to deliver the goods in attack, goalkeeper, Kennedy Mweene, may step up to take up the goalscoring role. Not only is Mweene renowned for his prowess in stopping opposing teams, he hurts them as well by scoring decisive goals. The experienced 32-year-old, who is his country’s most-capped player and skipper, will most definitely play a pivotal role on where the pendulum eventually swings to on Saturday.
