Super Eagles manager Eric Chelle is confident in his players' mentality and ability to secure a victory against Madagascar despite the absence of several key players.
The former Malian tactician will be without key players, including Galatasaray star Victor Osimhen, Brighton duo Zadok Yohanna and Femi Azeez, Lazio's Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and MLSer Alhassan Yusuf for Friday's encounter due to injuries.
However, Chelle believes their absence will not be a problem for the team when they face Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium on Friday.
"We have a lot of injuries, Femi Azeez, Zadok Yohanna, Victor {Osimhen}, Alhassan Yusuf, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru," he told Football Fans Tribe.
"We have a lot of injuries but this is not a problem for us. Of course, I prefer these guys to be with us."
Speaking during his press conference, Chelle expects a difficult encounter against the Barea, recalling Madagascar's victory over Nigeria at the 2019 AFCON.
"We have to work on it, so we are ready to play the game," he added.
"It is going to be a difficult game because Madagascar is a big team. I think they won against Nigeria in 2019."
Chelle described the game as a fight and expressed confidence in his players' mentality, insisting that they would be ready to compete when the two teams meet.
"We have to be ready. It is going to be a fight. The players have a good state of mind and we will be ready tomorrow," Chelle concluded.
Chelle will be hoping the Super Eagles can secure a victory and begin their AFCON qualifying campaign on a positive note.
Adeyemi Adewale
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