Belgian With Nigeria Scores To Settle

[Folami David]

Belgian coach Tom Saintfiet has many scores to settle when leading Malawi's Flames into Saturday's away decisive World Cup qualifying battle against Africa kings Nigeria.
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Nigeria Football Federation sacked Saintfiet as technical director a few years ago only to rub salt on his wounds last week when the Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi allegedly attacked the Malawi mentor racially.
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Therefore, going into the Group F game at UJ Usuene Stadium in Nigerian city of Calabar, Saintfiet is unhappy that his concerns about Calabar security earned him alleged racist attacks.
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The remarks forced the Football Association of Malawi (FAM) to lodge a complaint to Fifa which has since acknowledged receipt of the letter. FAM earlier wrote Fifa expressing security fears in Calabar.
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Apparently, Saintfiet once worked as Nigeria Football Federation technical director.
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"We can confirm that we have received a complaint on the said matter, but please understand that we cannot comment any further at this stage," Fifa Media Department confirmed FAM's complaint of racism on Friday.
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On the pitch there is more battle. At stake in this meeting Group F is a place in the final two-legged qualifying phase is a place at the 2014 World Cup finals in Brazil. Saintfiet could also earn permanent Malawi job if he beats Nigeria.
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On seven points, Malawi trails Nigeria by two points and need nothing short of a win to be among the 10 top group leaders to slug it out in the final qualifying round for the five World Cup places.