Nigeria/Ethiopia: Nations Cup Qualifier – Adefemi Writes Off Ethiopia

Olawale Ajimotokan

24 March 2011

Five-time international, Olubayo Adefemi has derided Ethiopia as minnows with a weak football profile that can not instil fear in the Super Eagles ahead of Sunday’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Abuja.

Adefemi, who plays for Skoda Xanthi of Greece, said Wednesday he was sure the Eagles would prevail by a good score line over the visiting Horn of Africa nation in the clash of Group B.

“I am sure our coaches must have conducted a thorough check on the Ethiopians to know their football style, but honestly when you put Ethiopia in proper context, what comes to your mind is their exploits in marathon and long distance races.

“With due respect, they are not there as far as football is concerned. Yes, they are world class considering the exploits of Abebe Bikila and Haile Gebsellasie and the rest of their endurance runners. Athletics is their tradition, while we are one of the leading lights in African football. We have no option simply than to beat them on Sunday. For sure the three points is our target; all we want to achieve is to qualify for the Nations Cup final,” the right full back boasted.

Adefemi hit the limelight with the U-20 team at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Holland in 2005.

The player, who can also play on the right side of the midfield, has since made five full appearances for the Super Eagles against Republic of Ireland, France, Tunisia (twice) and Sierra Leone.

Meanwhile, tickets for Sunday’s 2012 African Cup of Nations qualifier between Nigeria and Ethiopia will go on sale throughout the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja on Thursday.

Assistant General Secretary (Marketing) of the Nigeria Football Federation, Mr. Idris Adama said on Wednesday that tickets for the crucial game will be available at the NFF secretariat, Durumi, Kubwa, Old Parade Ground, Maitama, Ceddi Plaza, Nyanya and Garki.

Tickets for the Upper and Lower terraces will go for N300, with State Box Extension to be sold for N5,000 and the Corporate Suites are to go for N200,000.

Nigeria, with three points and second behind six-pointer Guinea on the Group B table of the 2012 African Cup of Nations qualifying series, take on Ethiopia at the National Stadium, Abuja on Sunday starting from 7pm.

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