The Super Eagles defied heavy rain in Calabar yesterday evening to train ahead of Saturday’s World Cup qualifier against Malawi – fully aware that it is the rainy season in Nigeria and the qualifier may well be played under the rain. The team had a second session this afternoon.

Eagles press officer Ben Alaiya said the players are fully committed and ready for the battle ahead.

“The players are fully ready for the match, they trained very well with full commitment under heavy rain,” said Alaiya.

“The battle for shirts is fierce as no one is sure of starting shirt for the Saturday game,” he added.

Super Eagles players have been talking tough ahead of the match scheduled to kick-off 4pm local time at the UJ Esuene Stadium.

Stand-in skipper, Vincent Enyeama, Lazio of Italy midfield youngster, Ogenyi Onazi, midfield dynamo Sunday Mba and forwards Obinna Nsofor and Ahmed Musa have all expressed confidence to beat the The Flames. Hear Musa: “We have resolved to defeat the Flames of Malawi, advance to the last stage and ultimately qualify for the Brazilian soccer fiesta. As African champions, we cannot afford to let the country down.”

•Photo shows Eagles on break during one of their training sessions in Calabar.