NFF to take Ethiopia game seriously

Abuja - The Nigeria Football Federation says it will take the return leg of the 2014 World Cup playoff against Ethiopia very seriously despite the 2-1 advantage to the Super Eagles from the first leg.

Two second half goals from Emmanuel Emenike steered the African champions to a 2-1 win and looks to have rendered the return match in Calabar on Saturday an easier session.

But President of Nigeria Football Federation Alhaji Aminu Maigari said the Super Eagles will play with their hearts when they confront Ethiopia on Saturday.

“It is not good for us to start thinking of the return leg match as a formality. Irrespective of the result of the first leg, we take this match in Calabar on Saturday very serious, he said in a press release made available to News24 Nigeria.

“As far as the NFF is concerned, it is not over until it is over. We have faith in our African champions that they will deliver, but we have also secured assurances from them that they will play with their hearts.”

Nigeria expect to reach their fifth FIFA World Cup finals by overcoming the Walya Antelopes and picking one of Africa’s five tickets to Brazil.