Waliya Antelopes of Ethiopia stars have warned the Super Eagles to expect the biggest test of their 2014 World Cup campaign when they visit Addis Ababa next month for the first leg of their play- off tie.
.
Midfielder Shimeles Bekele and all time goal scorer, Salhadin are upbeat ahead of the do or die clash on October 13.
.
Shimeles who turns out for Libyan side Al Ittihad warned the Eagles not to expect an easy time in Addis Ababa adding that the visitors will be in for a surprise.
.
He also reiterated that the teamwork which has been evident will be the secret weapon for the Walias as they dream of making it to Brazil.
.
"Sometimes it feels like a dream getting to the play offs because at one point we almost thought our dream was over when we were docked three points. I have read with a lot of excitement Nigerian players saying how they will beat us and make it to the World Cup. I want to tell them it will not be easy as they think as we did not qualify for the play offs by fluke but by sheer hard work."
.
"There is self belief among the Ethiopian players that nothing is impossible at this point and I believe it is the dream of every player to make it to the World cup which is the biggest football showpiece. I am personally in great form and cannot wait to give my team 100 percent and give Nigeria a run for their money. We have learnt alot since the last time we played in the 2013 Afcon," a buoyant Bekele told supersport.com.
.
Shimeles played a pivotal role for Ethiopia when they came from a goal down to beat Central Africa Republic 2-1 early in September in a match played in Congo Brazzaville.
.
Said echoed Bekele's sentiments and laughed off sentiments from the Nigerian camp that it will be an easy fixture in October and November.
.
"We respect Nigeria as the African champions but I can vow when we play with them it will not be a walk in the park.We have to be respected as we are among the ten teams in Africa that qualified for the play offs despite being docked points. We don't have the big name culture among the players but believe in team unity and any team that underrates us must do that to their own detriment."