Nigeria not taking minnows Tahiti lightly

Efe Ambrose is determined not to be on the end of a shock when Nigeria take on Tahiti in their opening match at the Confederations Cup today.

Nigeria find themselves in Group B alongside Spain and Uruguay as well as Tahiti, meaning a win over the Island minnows is vital if the African champions are to have a realistic chance of progressing.

And while Ambrose knows that his side go into the clash as heavy favourites, the Celtic defender is refusing to take anything for granted.

“The most important thing of all for us is to focus on this match,” he told www.fifa.com.

“It is a match we know we need to win and, to do that, we need to be fully concentrated. We cannot afford to take any chances.

“Big shocks have happened before in these kind of tournaments and we don’t want to be the victims this time.

“We know we need to get the three points to give ourselves a good chance of qualifying for the next stage.”

Tahiti captain Marama Vahirua is set to make his debut tonight and believes just to score a goal would represent a significant achievement for the OFC champions.

The Nancy striker is the only professional player available to manager Eddy Etaeta and admits that his team are massive underdogs in their group.

“If we can at least score a goal,” he told L’Equipe. “No matter who. A goal for us, it will be a victory in the competition.”

The 33-year-old made six appearances for the French Under-21s earlier in his career but insists he is now committed to Tahiti after being handed the armband due to an injury to Nicolas Vallar.

He added: “I swore I play for my country before the end of my career. And the Confederations Cup gives me the opportunity.

“I did not come here to have fun but to defend the colours of Tahiti and French football.”