Lamouchi wary of Nigeria
by Sammy Wejinya 02 February 2013, 15:56
Head coach of the Ivory Coast national team, Sabri Lamouchi has taken the time to preview his side’s quarter final match against Nigeria at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa.
Ivory Coast’s Elephants will come up against Nigeria’s Super Eagles in the stand out tie of the last eight at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenburg on Sunday.
Lamouchi acknowledges that his wards are the favourites but also knows they can be surprised by a dangerous Nigeria side that has yet to lose a game in the competition.
“We have no room for error especially as we in front of us a good team in Nigeria. The smallest error can cost us dearly,” Lamouchi said.
The 41-year-old tactician is blessed with arguably the most gifted squad in the competition with bookmakers installing the Elephants with the firm toga of runaway favourites for the title.
Wins over Togo and Tunisia and a 2-2 draw against Algeria when qualification and top spot from the group stages had already been guaranteed puts the Elephants in fine fettle ahead of Sunday’s clash against the Super Eagles.
Lamouchi is however stressing the need for his charges to keep their feet firmly on the ground as the competition enters into the knockout stages.
“Effectively this is a new competition where this match is essential to continue the adventure.
“As we have already said, if we win, we continue, and if this is not the case, we return home,” he said.
Ivory Coast were beaten finalists at the 2012 edition of the Afcon.
