Tanzania head coach, Miguel Gamondi, has acknowledged the superior quality of the Super Eagles ahead of Friday’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifying encounter against Nigeria, insisting that his team will approach the contest with determination despite the challenge.
The Taifa Stars are scheduled to face Nigeria before hosting the three-time African champions in Zanzibar four days later. Tanzania have already secured qualification as one of the tournament hosts, while Nigeria are seeking to revive their campaign following a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Madagascar in their previous qualifying fixture.
Speaking ahead of the encounter, Gamondi said his players would compete for a positive result but admitted that Nigeria possess a stronger squad, describing a potential victory for his side as a historic achievement.
” We are here to compete. I have big respect for Nigeria, and what if I want to lie, I will say we can win on this ground, but I am realistic. We’re coming to compete with respect. We are Tanzania. We are more than 100 in the FIFA ranking.
“You cannot compare one team with another team. I respect and always, even if I can say we are here to compete, we’ll see tomorrow, but the tax will be very tough for us. I’m very very respectful, and I’m confident.
“I believe in my players, but I know what I have to face, and if we can win the game you can imagine the dancing in Tanzania. It will be history, but for Nigeria it’s the logical and it’s normal. We came here with a conviction. Like, I said, determination to compete, and after we see if if we can get some chances we can score”.
Nigeria will be under pressure to secure maximum points as they look to recover from their loss to Madagascar and strengthen their position in the qualifying campaign.
The Super Eagles, who boast a wealth of experienced international players, will be expected to take advantage of their perceived superiority, although Gamondi has expressed confidence in his team’s ability to compete.
