URUGUAY TOUGHER THAN SPAIN--KALU.

By Emeka Obasi

Compatriots who think Eagles' game against Uruguay is a tea party need to hear former Abia state governor Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu who believes the South Americans are no easy meat.


Kalu dreads Uruguay more than Spain,hinging his fears on what he called the South American jinx which he explained continued to haunt the Nigerians.


He said,"Uruguay will be tough ,very tough.The South Americans have a way round our Super Eagles in FIFA organised championships.I rate Uruguay higher than Spain in this competition."


Continuing,the ex-governor added,"at the USA'94 World Cup,Argentina beat the Eagles 2-1 inspite of Samson Siasia's opener.France '98 saw Paraguay pound us 3-1,Argentina won again 1-0 in Ibaraki,Korea\Japan 2002 and again 1-0 in South Africa.Do not forget that the Argies also got a goalless draw at the Saudi'95 Confederations Cup."


Kalu recalled that in France 15 years ago,Spain and Nigeria were in the same group with Sunday Oliseh's ballistic missile destroying the Spanish Armada as quickly as it anchored at the World Cup.Ironically,the Europeans were knocked out in the first round even after murdering Bulgaria 6-1 in their last group match.


"I do not fear Spain.My prayer is, Eagles must not treat Uruguay with kid cleats.Afterall,they finished third at South Africa 2010.Beating Tahiti 6-1 is no big deal.Spain did it to Bulgaria in 1998,yet they could go no further.Nobody should dream of a walk-over in today's clash,"he cautioned.