Tanzania coach Miguel Gamondi: ‘You cannot compare us with Nigeria’

Tanzania head coach Miguel Gamondi says his side will face Nigeria with a positive mindset, despite acknowledging the significant difference in quality between the two teams.

The sides meet in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers tomorrow, with Tanzania due to host the Super Eagles in Zanzibar four days later. Tanzania have already qualified as one of the host nations, while Nigeria need a victory to revive their campaign after a 0-3 defeat by Madagascar in their previous match.

Gamondi accepts Nigeria will be the stronger team but insists Tanzania will compete for a positive result.

“We are here to compete. I have big respect for Nigeria,” he said. “If I wanted to lie, I would say we can win on this ground, but I am realistic.

“We are coming to compete with respect. We are Tanzania. We are more than 100 in the FIFA ranking.”

The coach said the two teams could not be directly compared, while stressing that his players would approach the fixture with confidence.

“You cannot compare one team with another team,” Gamondi added. “I respect Nigeria and, even if I can say we are here to compete, we’ll see tomorrow. But the task will be very tough for us.

“I’m very, very respectful, and I’m confident. I believe in my players, but I know what I have to face.”

Gamondi said a Tanzania victory would have historic significance for his country, whereas success for Nigeria would be regarded as an expected outcome.

“If we can win the game, you can imagine the dancing in Tanzania. It will be history,” he said. “But for Nigeria it is logical and normal.

“We came here with conviction and determination to compete. After that, we will see whether we can create some chances and score.”