Keshi demands reaction against Congo

Head coach of the Nigeria national team, Stephen Keshi has described Saturday's 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifying game against Congo in Pointe-Noire as the "most important match in my life".

The Africa champions face the Diables Rouges (Red Devils) at the Stade Municipal on Saturday knowing that anything other than an outright win would potentially see their chances of defending their Afcon title go up in smoke.

Keshi, who has found himself in similar situations in the past, is looking to draw from his experience of coaching on the continent to mastermind what would represent a remarkable turnaround.

"The game against Congo on Saturday, right now, is the most important match of my life, the most important game since I began coaching.

"I have great memories with Togo, Mali and even Nigeria but every top coach will tell you that the next game is the most important one," the former Mali and Togo trainer told supersport.com on Monday.

The Super Eagles currently lie in third place in Group A of 2015 Afcon qualifying with four points from four matches.

A win on Saturday will see the Nigeria draw level on points with Congo and Keshi concedes that victory is non-negotiable.

"All the boys know what I expect from them, what Nigerians expect from them. This is like war.

"It's like a final because if we don't win, there will be nothing to play for when we face South Africa next week.

"The boys must give a hundred percent because we are going to be meeting a very good side on Saturday," he said.

He then rounded off by revealing that full training will commence on Tuesday with the majority of the invited players from Europe expected to arrive at the camp in Abuja.

"We did not train today (Monday) because all the boys are not here yet.

"We commence full training tomorrow. Everybody will give a hundred percent and hopefully with the prayers and support of all Nigerians, we will deliver," he said.