Amaju Pinnick, the Nigeria Football Federation President, has commended the Eagles for a well-deserved victory, but warned that the race was still a long way from over.
This was contained in a statement by Ademola Olajire, the NFF’s spokesman, on Sunday in Abuja.
Super Eagles’ Victor Moses and Mikel Obi starred as Nigeria moved into full control of their 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying group with a 3-1 home victory over Algeria in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
Pinnick celebrated the three precious points, but insisted the Eagles must continue to take the 2018 World Cup qualifying race one match at a time.
Pinnick said: “This victory is very, very sweet. But as I said after the match in Zambia, this is a marathon.
“We have now won two matches out of six, and as a result of the draw between Cameroon and Zambia, we are looking very good on top.
“The best approach is to keep focus, to know that we are not there yet but that we surely will be there by putting more effort in each of our next four matches.”
The Super Eagles next play Cameroon home and away within a week in the third quarter of next year, and Pinnick insists those two games will be tough.
He said: “Cameroon has drawn their first two matches of the series and will play us hard in both legs, but we have to play them even harder.”
Nigeria has recorded six points from two matches, while Cameroon is second on two points after they forced Zambia to a 1-1 draw at home.
Zambia are third on a point ahead of Algeria.
The qualifying tournament will resume in August 2017 with Nigeria hosting Cameroon and Zambia at home to Algeria.
Football World Cup qualifiers: We’re on good ground, but it’s a marathon —...
