EAGLES IN OPERATION MAUL MADAGASCAR

Nigeria and Guinea are locked in a fierce war for the lone automatic ticket in Group B and with both teams in action this weekend, the Eagles are acutely aware that any slip-up on the road is capable of scuttling their Nations Cup hopes.

Nigeria are desperate for a win against Madagascar to keep up the pressure on Guinea, who are top of Group B with seven points, three points ahead of the Super Eagles.

With star striker, Peter Odemwingie out of the game because of an ankle injury, Coach Samson Siasia, who has code-named the tie as 'OPERATION MAUL MADAGASCAR', has warned his players on the dangers of dropping points.

He has also drummed it into their heads on the need to win big in order to cut Guinea's advantage, going into the final round of games in October..

'This is a game that we must not only win but also win well because as things stand, goals might count in deciding the winner of the group at the end of qualifying process. The players must not take it easy against the Madagascans because we need to qualify as winner of the group and a good away win is going to help us get to the promised land',Siasia said before the team departed for Antananarivo on Wednesday.

This latest statement is coming some days after the Nigeria Football Federation warned the Super Eagles of the dangers of dropping points against Madagascar.

For Siasia and his wards, the message is clear, win big and save yourself the shame of not qualifying for the Nations Cup tournament, to be co-hosted by Gabon and Equatorial Guinea.