Malawi coach Tom Saintfiet has dismissed African champions Nigeria as only “super” on paper.
Saintfiet, who last year was appointed technical director for Nigeria but never got to take up the job, will lead the Flames of Malawi to Calabar next month for a crucial 2014 World Cup qualifier.
Malawi need to beat the Super Eagles to stand any chance of qualifying for the final play-off round for the 2014 World Cup.
“Nigeria Super Eagles are super on paper,” boasted the young Belgian coach.
“But this is one game, 90 minutes and one goal is all we need. I may have a bunch of home-based players who just featured in the COSAFA Cup, but I know we can do it in Calabar.
“I took this job for one reason, and that is to qualify Malawi for the final round playoff of the World Cup qualifiers.”
Malawi mind games ahead of the September 6 clash began with their request for the match to be moved from Calabar to Abuja, where there are better hotels, and for the appointed match referee to be changed.
Malawi forced Nigeria to a 1-1 draw in Blantyre when they first clashed last year.
