National Sports

Flames stars not moved by Nigeria Afcon exploits

Some South Africa-based Flames stars Limbikani ‘Pupa’ Mzava and Robert Ng’ambi have said they are not in a cold sweat with Nigeria’s remarkable run at the ongoing 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Flames are in the same group with the Super Eagles in the 2014 World Cup qualification campaign and they are set to meet in Nigeria later this year.

Nigeria demolished Mali 4-1 on Wednesday to qualify for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations finals against Burkina Faso who beat Ghana 3-2 in post-match penalties.

Mzava, Ng’ambi and newly appointed Flames interim assistant coach Patrick Mabedi said while Nigeria have displayed strong character, they are not scared of their exploits.

“I have watched all their games at the tournament and it is clear that they have improved a lot and they have good players such as Emmanuel Emenike, Sunday Ba, John Mikel Obi and Victor Moses. They are dangerous operating from the wings and at the heart of the pitch,” said Mzava. “But that should not send a shiver down our spines because

dangerous operating from the wings and at the heart of the pitch,” said Mzava.

“But that should not send a shiver down our spines because it will be a different game and with good preparations, we should get a result in Nigeria,” he said.

On his part, Ng’ambi said: “It is not a secret that Nigerians have made tremendous improvement, but they are not that good when playing at home. We just need to develop self-belief and have

determination that we can do it.”

Mabedi noted that while the Nigerians are dangerous in attack, they are vulnerable at the back.

Nigeria top Flames’ World Cup group with four points from two games. They are two points ahead of Flames who are on third position. Namibia’s Brave Warriors are second with three points whereas Kenya’s Harambee Stars anchor the group with a single point.

Flames’ next game is against Namibia on March 23 in Windhoek.

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