NFF to Super Eagles: Don’t celebrate yet

(NAN) The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has cautioned the Super Eagles not to be carried away by the victory recorded over the Harambee Stars of Kenya.

The Super Eagles defeated the Harambee Stars 1-0 in a 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifier played in Nairobi, Kenya on Wednesday.

Nigeria now tops Group F with eight points after Ahmed Musa scored the only goal of the match in the 81^st minute, while Malawi drew 0-0 at home with Namibia.

Malawi were level on five points with Nigeria at the start of the day’s encounters but lost ground after they recorded their third draw in four qualifiers.

The result means Malawi face a herculean task of winning their last two games, one of which is in Abuja as they stay second in the group with six points, three behind Nigeria.

Namibia is third on four points, while Kenya is at the bottom of the group.

Dr Mohammed Sanusi, the NFF Director of Competition, told NAN in Abuja that it was too early for the team to celebrate. He said: ``the team should not celebrate yet as there are more hurdles to cross before the country’s World Cup ticket will be secured.

``It is not over until it is over. In football anything can happen any time.

``While we are celebrating the victory, they should not forget that we have a very crucial match that is going to be the decider.

``So, we should put the victory at the back of our mind and focus on the match against Namibia. We are not there until we get there.

 ``However, we are happy with the victory. Now we know that we are very much on course to qualify for the World Cup.

``The boys have done well and we thank Nigerians for their prayers.

``I was seriously tensed when the match was at 0-0 but was happy when it ended in our favour and 

 Malawi ended their encounter 0-0 against Namibia.’’

The Super Eagles will have to beat Namibia in an away fixture in Windhoek, on June 12 (next Wednesday) to have one leg into Brazil 2014 World Cup, while Malawi will host Kenya.

The fixtures are brought forward due to Nigeria's involvement in the FIFA Confederations Cup, which gets under way in Brazil on June15. The final round of the qualifiers in this group will be staged in September, when Nigeria host Malawi and Kenya are home to Namibia. (NAN)