Nigeria head coach, Stephen Keshi, believes that their 2014 Fifa World Cup playoff opponents, Ethiopia, are “unpredictable.”
The African champions were on Monday drawn to face the Ethiopians in a two-legged playoffs.
Keshi also made it clear that he has “a lot of respect” for the East Africans for reaching the final round of the World Cup qualifiers.
The Nigeria manager quickly recalled when both nations clashed at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa. Nigeria won 2-0 through Victor Moses’ brace of goals.
He described that meeting as “quite tough” and now expects an even tougher Walya Antelopes of Ethiopia this time round.
The former Mali trainer also predicted that it will not be a stroll in the park for the big teams over the minnows in the playoffs.
“I have a lot of respect for the Ethiopians and all the teams that made it to the last round of the qualifier and I am certain that it will be tough, unpredictable and exciting for the so-called big teams and the minnows.
“The last time we played the Ethiopians it was quite tough and I know when we meet next it’s going to be the same thing. All we need to do is to be focused, concentrate and pray for good health for our best players and the rest will be history,” Keshi said.
Keshi is currently on holidays in the United States of America to see his family.
Nigeria play Ethiopia in the first leg of the World Cup playoffs in Addis Ababa on the weekend of October 11 and 15 while the second leg takes place in November.
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