Babayaro, Ugbade hail Eagles for making Russia 2018

Ex-internationals, Emmanuel Babayaro and Nduka Ugbade, have hailed the Super Eagles for picking up the World Cup ticket even they still have a game in hand.
On Saturday Nigeria became the fi rst African country to qualify for the Russia 2018 world cup after Eagles defeated the Chipolopolo of Zambia by 1-0.
Babayaro praised the Eagles for the hard-fought victory, adding that the Zambians were a diffi cult nut to crack.
“Congratulations to the boys and technical crew for the hardfought victory.
Th is has to stand out as one of the toughest games played in the qualifi er so far.
“Th ey might have been defeated, but hats off to the Chipolopolo for coming this far with their young and fearless squad.
“Coach Nyirenda’s boys caused Nigeria a lot of trouble on Saturday, after beating Algeria home and away in the last round of matches.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if they qualify for the next World Cup,” he said.
Ugbade said Eagles qualifi cation for the Russia 2018 world cup wasn’t ‘a walk in the park’ for the Eagles.
He, however, urged the NFF to begin preparations for the World Cup immediately to ensure that the team also have a successful campaign in Russia 2018.
“Kudos to the Eagles for making us proud to have worn the green white green colour.
“Zambia proved to all, including the watching NFF offi cials, that every game will not always be a walk in the park.
“It is not too early to start preparing hard for the World Cup as June is around the corner.
“Rohr has to look at the leftback spot where every wide man seems to get the beating of Elderson Echiejile and see if Ola Aina can step up to the challenge.
“Also, a decent back-up for Odion Ighalo is needed as well as an upgrade on Onazi too,” Ugbade said.
So far, only Nigeria and Egypt have confi rmed their presence at next year world cup in Russia having fi nished tops in their respective groups.