Don’t celebrate yet, NFA cautions Super Eagles

Nigeria Football Association (NFA) on Wednesday cautioned the Super Eagles not to be carried away by their victory over Kenya’s Harambee Stars, saying Malawi are not yet out.

The Flames were level on five points with Nigeria at the start of the day’s encounters, but lost impetus after drawing 0-0 with a resilient Namibia at Kamuzu Stadium.

The result means Malawi, now on second position with six points, two behind Nigeria, face a huge task to win their last two games, one of which will be in Abuja.

Namibia are third on four points whereas Kenya are at the bottom of the group, with two points.

NFA director of competition Dr Mohammed Sanusi told News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja that it was too early for the team to celebrate.

“Malawi are not yet out. It is not over until it is over. In football, anything can happen any time. I was seriously tensed when the match was at 0-0, but I was happy when it ended in our favour and Malawi ended their encounter 0-0 against Namibia,” he said.

Sanusi cited their away match against Namibia on June 12 as the decider.

“So, we should put the victory at the back of our minds and focus on the match against Namibia. We are not there until we get there,” he said.

Malawi will host Kenya on June 5.

Flames coach Edington Ng’onamo believes Flames have realistic chances of making it to Brazil.

“It is not over yet and Nigeria will be wise not to count us out. We must focus on beating Kenya. It is possible for Nigeria to slip,” said Ng’onamo.