By SANDRA MWILA –

CHIPOLOPOLO coach Wedson Nyirenda is confident that the positive energy shown by players in camp will be a big incentive ahead of this weekend’s must-win clash against Nigeria.
And Nyirenda said he would not be derailed by injuries and withdrawals but ensure that he assembles a squad that beats Nigeria this Saturday and edge closer towards qualifying for the Russia 2018 World Cup.
“The atmosphere is so great here and there is so much positive energy in the team that I can see us beating Nigeria. The captain arrived last night (Monday) with Chisamba and they trained extremely well with the rest of the team,” Nyirenda said.
Justin Shonga, Enock Mwepu, Roderick Kabwe, Stopilla Sunzu, Mweene, Chisamba Lungu have joined the team while Paston is supposed to fly directly into Abuja and would later link up with the team that leaves Accra for Nigeria on Thursday.
Nyirenda said training was progressing well in Accra, Ghana and was happy with the turnout of the players in readiness for the must-win clash.
“Preparations are going on well and there is so much oneness and love among the players and technical bench. We are all focused towards achieving that common goal of winning the match,” Nyirenda said.
The coach said he has the best players to win him the match and would not focus much on those that failed to make the team.
Nyirenda was also hopeful that striker Paston Daka would be fit for the match after picking up an injury when playing for his side at the weekend.
Striker Brain Mwila of Platinum Stars in South Africa and Emmanuel Banda of Belgium side K.V Oostende will miss the match through injuries and were replaced by Alex Ng’onga and John Ching’andu.
Edward Chilufya of Djurgårdens in Sweden failed to make the trip due to visa complications.
“Edward’s absence is just a minor setback and will not derail our plans that much because we have enough manpower to fill the vacuum and Patson is a fighter I am positive he will pass the fitness test before the match on Saturday,” Nyirenda said.
Patson’s Austria club, Lierfering FC, delayed to release the player opting to asses him themselves before he could be allowed to join the Chipolopolo.