Football: Ethiopia still a serious threat despite first-leg loss, warns Nigeria coach

LAGOS (AFP) - Coach Stephen Keshi has warned that despite Nigeria holding a 2-1 advantage from the play-off first leg, Ethiopia still pose a major threat to the country's bid to qualify for a fifth football World Cup.

Last month, the Super Eagles won in Addis Ababa to move a step closer to next year's World Cup Finals in Brazil.

"Ethiopia are still a threat because they are a very good side and have been together for up to five years, unlike our team which is relatively young and new," Keshi warned.

"And so we have not qualified, but on the verge of doing so and we must not let down our guard at this crucial moment.

"Gradually, we are getting to where we want to be and by Saturday hopefully we should be among the 32 nations whose flags will be flown at the Brazil 2014 World Cup."

The African champions had their first full training on Wednesday evening in Calabar will all 24 squad members in action.

They will train behind closed doors on Thursday evening at the match venue.

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