By Peter Jegwa Kumwenda BBC Sport, Lilongwe

Malawi's new coach Allan Gillet said his new team could pull a surprise by beating Nigeria in their home Nations Cup qualifier in March.

Gillet told reporters at Chileka international airport in Blantyre that if he gets the needed support, a victory for Malawi is not a tall order.

"I respect what Nigeria has achieved over the years but I don't fear them," said Gillet.

"I will need all the support from the fans, the coaches, my backroom staff and the administrators and I hope the players will accept me.

"We can do it. We can beat Nigeria," the English coach said.

Gillet was hired to take charge of the Flames for a period of four months.

The English FA paid the first month of Gillet's salary, as part of a plan to help the cash strapped Malawi FA.

The government will foot the bill for the remaining three months.

Gillet has no previous experience of coaching in Africa, with the Arab Republic of Yemen being the only national team he has managed.