Shola Ameobi confident of reaching World Cup

Newcastle United striker Shola Ameobi has said that Nigeria will be prepared for their two-legged World Cup qualifying playoff against Ethiopia.

The Super Eagles, who finished unbeaten at the top of Group F with three wins and three draws, are hoping to book their place in Brazil, which would be their fifth appearance at the finals.

"We are confident of winning," Ameobi told the Newcastle Evening Chronicle. "These days you've got to be confident going into games. We are the team in to beat in Africa. We are the African champions and everyone wants to topple us.

"We will be prepared for it. There is pressure on us, but that is what makes us so great, because there is always pressure in various forms and we know how to deal with that.

"It is important that we channel that pressure in the right way so that it can drive us to achieve victory. I know that when I am under pressure, that is when I am able to find out the most about myself and that brings out the best in me. So, hopefully, that can be our motivation this week and then next month."

The first leg is in Addis Ababa this evening, with the return leg taking place on November 16.