Super Eagles coach, Gernot Rohr has admitted that Zambia would be a hard nut to crack when they confront Nigeria in the 2018 World Cup qualifier in Uyo October 7.

The Eagles manager said  the Zambian national team, which is made up of young players, would fight against all odds to bring down the Super Eagles at home.

He noted that his mission at this moment is to work hard to raise a formidable squad that will qualify Nigeria for the 2018 World Cup, saying that the same spirit used by the team to fly over the Indomitable Lions would also be introduced against the young Zambia team.

Rohr admitted that Zambia’s recent outstanding performances against Algeria has given the team the courage to come to Nigeria with a mindset to spoil the Eagles’ World Cup qualification bid.He assured that the Super Eagles technical crew would ensure that Nigeria got the World Cup ticket.

The coach, who described the Nigerian league and quality of players in the NPFL as growing gradually when compared to the standard of leagues in smaller African countries, said the country’s best players are playing in Europe where they have the best structures put in place.

He commended Eagles goalkeeper, Ikechukwu Ezenwa for his impressive performance against Cameroun, adding that the FC IfeanyiUbah star would get more opportunities to prove his worth.

Meanwhile, president of the Zambian FA, Andrew Kamanga has stated that the October’s World Cup qualifier against Nigeria is a must win match to ensure their qualification for the 2018 tournament in Russia.

The Super Eagles, who are undefeated in four matches in the qualifiers, are being tipped by many pundits to take care of business and qualify for their sixth World Cup, but Kamanga is brimming with confidence after the Chipolopolo did the double over Algeria.

The Zambian team may camp in Europe before their trip to Nigeria for the World Cup qualifier.

Reports by Miyen Akiri