by Akan Ido

Mikel Obi, Chelsea FC player and Super Eagles midfielder has assured Nigerians of victory in their match against the Liberian national team tomorrow at the U. J. Esuene Stadium, Calabar, Cross River State.

He said the Eagles are ready to beat their opponents silly.

Nigeria play hosts to Liberia on Saturday in Calabar in the 2013 Nations Cup qualifying match.

According to reports, Mikel said, “The (team) spirit is high and with our form and determination we will beat Liberia silly,” Mikel was quoted as saying.

“I am not looking down on them (Liberia), but it’s a game to determine our participation in the Nations Cup and we are ready to grab it with both hands.

“I am here for the game and I am ready to do battle against Liberia. I am in good shape and form now; I will do my best to see that we beat Liberia. It is a battle we have to win; we know what is at stake and we are not taking it easy with them.”

Meanwhile, Liberia coach, Kaetu Smith, believes his team can eliminate Nigeria from the race to the 2013 Africa Nations Cup just as Guinea did with the 2012 edition.

Smith said, “Personally, I am not afraid of the Nigerian team whether it is home-based or (overseas) professionals.

“Nigeria aren’t like before, because they are living in the past. If Togo can qualify for the World Cup (in 2006) and Guinea could qualify at their expense last year, Liberia can do same too,” he boasted.

We’ll be waiting to see what they have up their sleeves tomorrow in Calabar.