- Appeals to fans for total support on Sunday
Zambia skipper, Rainford Kalaba, has predicted victorious outing for his side against Nigeria’s Super Eagles when they meet on Sunday in the Russia 2018 World Cup qualifier in Ndola.
Zambia’s Chipolopolo were crowned African champions in 2012, while Nigeria’s Super Eagles have won the AFCON thrice – 1980, 1994 and 2013.
Enterprising Kalaba, who Nigeria coach, Gernot Rohr, has singled out as one of the key Zambia stars, said the Chipolopolo will give everything to win in front of their fans.
“We are both former African champions and it will be a tough game, but we expect a good result on Sunday,” he declared.
“We will all put 100% on Sunday and it will be a good thing to give the new coach a first win in his first game.
“The players are looking good, and looking forward to the game. The confidence is there and the boys are smiling. We are expecting a good game in Ndola.
“Football is played on pitch. It’s how we prepare ourselves. At the end of the final whistle, we will know who carries the day.”
The TP Mazembe star said, he also expects the fans to come out in their numbers to push the Chipolopolo to victory.
“The fans must rally be behind the team, this game is crucial not just for the players, but the whole country,” he charged.
“And we know that when the Levy Stadium is full, we always have good results.”
Like Nigeria, Zambia failed to qualify for next year’s AFCON in Gabon.
“Obviously, we were all disappointed not to qualify, but we have moved forward. We have to prepare for subsequent games because they are more important now,” he said.
