Nigeria needs prayers to qualify for 2015 Nations Cup – Onazi

A Super Eagles midfielder, Ogenyi Onazi, has set his sights on victory when Nigeria plays Congo in next weekend’s Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, qualifier.

He said there were, however, conditions to be met if victory must come Nigeria’s way next Saturday.

Onazi, who was expected in Nigeria on Sunday, said Nigerians desirous of the AFCON ticket must unite, join hands and pray for success.

“Once I arrive Nigeria, I will go to my father in the Lord to pray with me, because I want the Nations Cup ticket and I know we can win in Congo,” he told the Super Eagles media officer, Ben Alaiya, on phone from his base in Italy. “We must also cooperate and forget past differences to achieve our aim.

Meanwhile, Alaiya said that preparations for the AFCON qualifier against Congo Brazzaville in Point Noir was expected to start on Monday following the arrival of invited Nigerian league stars to Abuja on Saturday. The Nigerian league stars had a 1-0 win over Ghana in the maiden Restoration Cup at the new Akwa Ibom International Stadium on Friday.

The Nigerian League players that resumed camp on Saturday were Warri Wolves keeper and home based Eagles Captain, Chigozie Agbim, Azubuike Egwuekwe, Solomon Kwambe, Emem Eduok, Tony Edjomari, Christian Osaghuna Ighodalo, Gbolahahan Salami, the scorer of the epoch making goal in Uyo, and new comer Kingsley Sokari.

The players are camped at their usual abode at the Bolton White Apartment, Abuja. The team coach, Stephen Keshi, has reiterated that all invited players should be in camp by latest Monday.

“We have no time for this game and the players know, so all of them must be here early enough for the trip to Congo,” he declared.

Nigeria, the defending champion, currently sit on the third position in Group A of the 2015 AFCON qualifiers below Congo and South Africa. The team needs victory away to Congo and home against South Africa to stand any chance of qualification.