Renard unimpressed but cautious of Nigeria
by George Akpayen 17 January 2013, 09:33
Nigeria manager, Stephen Keshi has said he would not want to be dragged into any exchange of words with Zambia head coach, Herve Renard.
The Nigerian head coach does not want to be drawn into any mind games before the Africa Cup of Nations starts this Saturday.
Keshi is concerned about his team ahead of their Afcon opening game against Burkina Faso's Stallions on Monday.
"I'm not concerned with what the Zambian coach has said. Everyone is entitled to his opinion. I have a job to do as Nigeria's coach and I'm only focused on doing that job by presenting a strong team for the Nations Cup.
"Right now we are only going to take each game one at a time. We are focused on facing Burkina Faso first. When the game with Zambia comes up then the scores will be settled. So we are not in a hurry to face them as they are the defending champions," said the former Nigerian skipper.
Zambia coach, Renard had scrutinised the performance of their Afcon group rivals, Nigeria's Super Eagles against Cape Verde Islands.
The Frenchman was unimpressed with the display put up by the Nigerians in the pre-Afcon game against Cape Verde's Blue Sharks.
"I think you saw Nigeria the other day against Cape Verde. Do you think it was the best this time?
"I don't think so. So on January 25 against Nigeria, it will be a different game, it will be a tough game," Renard was quoted to have said.
Nigeria and Zambia will square up at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit on January 25.
