Super Eagles boss Stephen Keshi has opined that Ethiopia will be a hard nut to crack as both nations look forward to slug out one of the five African slots for the 2014 Fifa World Cup in Brazil.
‘The Walya Antelopes’ were paired with Nigeria at the Caf Draw for the playoff round of the 2014 World Cup qualifier, held at the Caf headquarters in Cairo, Egypt last Monday.
Coach Keshi, who spoke for the first time since the draw, said he expects a difficult side in the coach Sewnet Bishaw-led team.
“The last time we played the Ethiopians it was quite tough and I know when we meet next it’s going to be the same thing. All we need to do is to be focused concentrate and pray for good health for our best players and the rest will be history,” said Keshi.
The coach of the African champions also intimated that he holds the Ethiopians, as well as the other eight teams through to the final round of the qualifiers, in high esteem.
“I have a lot of respect for the Ethiopians and all the teams that made it to the last round of the qualifier and I am certain that it will be tough, unpredictable and exciting for both the so-called big teams and the minnows,” he added.
Keshi said his team list for the first-leg trip to Addis Ababa in October (between 11th and 15th) will be released on time.
