Ngodigha waives off Zambia
by Legheri Onyamom 27 October 2012, 07:40
Former Super Eagles' goalkeeper, David Ngodigha believes the Super Eagles were handed a relatively easy group for next year's Africa Cup of Nations.
At the star-studded draw in Durban, Nigeria were placed in Group C with defending champions Zambia, Burkina Faso and Ethiopia.
The former Bayelsa United goalkeeper trainer said Nigeria have more quality players than their rivals, and would go far in the tournament if they prepare well and get it right administratively.
Ngodigha told supersport.com: "It is true that there are no easy games anymore at international level, but this is as good a draw as we could have expected.
"I tip Nigeria and Zambia to progress to the quarterfinals, but I cannot really say who would will win the group.
"We have the players that can do the nation proud, but a lot depends on the preparations.
"If the coaches can get the right mix of players, and are able to strengthen the defence then the sky would be the limit for them.
He added: "Then our officials must ensure the right things are done and they must not put their interest before that of the team to ensure the players remain committed."
Ngodigha however said that the Super Eagles should not underrate their opponents.
"We all look at Guinea as the team that stopped us from going to the last Nations Cup, but we forget Ethiopia held us to a draw in a match we needed to win," he said.
"They were only four minutes away from winning before we equalised, so they could be dangerous if we drop our guard.
"Burkina Faso too have a number of good players in France, and cannot be overlooked.
"Having said that, I would be disappointed if we fail to qualify from this group."
Nigeria will take on Burkina Faso in their opening group game in Nelspruit on January 21, 2013.
