W/C Qualifiers: We’re on good ground, but it’s a marathon

W/C Qualifiers: We’re on good ground, but it’s a marathon — Pinnick

Amaju Pinnick, NFF President

Amaju Pinnick, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President, has commended the Eagles for a well-deserved victory but warned that the race was still a long way from over.

This is according to a statement by Ademola Olajire, the NFF’s Spokesman, and made available on Sunday in Abuja.

Super Eagles’ Victor Moses and Mikel Obi starred as Nigeria moved into full control of their 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying group with 3-1 home victory over Algeria in Uyo.

Pinnick celebrated the three precious points but insisted that the Eagles must continue to take the 2018 World Cup qualifying race one match at a time.

“This victory is very, very sweet. But as I said after the match in Zambia, this is a marathon.

“We have now won two matches out of six, and as a result of the draw between Cameroon and Zambia, we are looking very good on top.

“The best approach is to keep focus, to know that we are not there yet but that we surely will be there by putting more effort in each of our next four matches.”

NAN reports that the Super Eagles next play Cameroon home and away within a week in the third quarter of next year, and Pinnick insists those two games will be tough.

“Cameroon have drawn their first two matches of the series and will play us hard in both legs, but we have to play them even harder,” Pinnick said.

Nigeria have recorded six points from two matches, while Cameroon are second on two points after they forced Zambia to a 1-1 draw at home.

Zambia are third on a point ahead of Algeria.

The qualifying tournament will resume in August 2017 with Nigeria hosting Cameroon and Zambia at home to Algeria.

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