Misfiring striker Nilmar is determined to prove his worth to Al Nasr in tonight’s Arabian Gulf Cup-clash against Al Dhafra after he firmly rejected reports he is set for an immediate return to Brazil.
Nilmar, 31, has been a great disappointment since he joined the Blue Wave this summer from Internacional.
The 23-times-capped Canarinho star has only scored one goal in 10 appearances, leading to reports in his homeland this week about a request to head back to South America.
“The rumors have no basis in truth,” said Nilmar, ahead of the Group A match at Al Maktoum Stadium. “I reject all that is written – I want to stay and prove myself.
I am aware of the criticism and I want to offer more. This what I am trying to achieve.”
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The holders sit third at the half-way stage, with only the top two from each section progressing to the semi-finals.
They face opponents who have been urged by boss Laurent Banide to utilise the confidence gained from Saturday’s 2-0 Arabian Gulf League-win against Bani Yas, which was their first top-flight triumph of 2015-16.
He said: “We know the strength of Al Nasr. But Al Dhafra will work to continue the dynamic display which appeared against Bani Yas.”
Wednesday’s other fixture since an east-coast derby as Dibba Al Fujairah host Fujairah. The latter are the designated visitors to their shared Fujairah Stadium and come into the match second in Group B.
