Super Eagles of Nigeria have been advised to avoid complacency ahead of Sunday’s 2021 African Cup of Nations Round of 16 showdown against the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia.
Having won all matches in the Group stage, the Augustine Eguavoen led side is the favourite going into the tie.
However, football stakeholders in Warri and its environs have called for maximum concentration from the 3-time AFCON champions when they file out against their North African counterparts.
The 33rd edition of the African Cup of Nations holding in Cameroon has so far lived up to expectations as once again football lovers across the globe have been reminded that results of the beautiful round leather game of football are decided on the field of play where minnows can easily turn to giant killers.
Defending champions, Algeria and 4-time winners of the AFCON, Ghana, were bundled out of the tournament, finishing bottom of their group with a point each.
The results proved yet again that football is sometimes unpredictable.
Despite witnessing contrasting results going into Sunday’s 2021 AFCON Round of 16 encounters, football followers expect the clash between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia to be pulsating going by the history of both sides at the AFCON.
DRTV Sports sought the opinion of football stakeholders and enthusiasts in Warri and its environs on their expectations for the clash.
Former Commissioner in Delta State on Non-Indigenes Affairs, Hon. Frank Onuorah, Chairman, Ayuma Football Club, Chief David Ayuma and Coach Benjamin Adams, called on the Austin Eguavoen-led side to be focused on reaching the Quarterfinal as previous performances in the Group stages would not count when both sides clash.
They noted that the Super Eagles of Nigeria would edge out their opponents if they keep up the form from the Group stage.
For some football enthusiasts, the clash would be dicey for the Super Eagles but qualification to the Quarterfinals would be guaranteed as long as the Nigerian defence led by vice-captain, William Troost-Ekong shore up their ranks and the strikers put on their scoring boots.
The possibility of the match going into extra time and maybe penalties were also envisaged by some of the respondents.
Others opined the Super Eagles of Nigeria would get the job done in 90 minutes.
As the time ticks, Nigerians generally are hopeful the Super Eagles would get the better of the Carthage Eagles in their 2021 AFCON Round of 16 clashes.
