Manchester United Coach, Jose Mourinho, has predicted that Nigeria will qualify from their tough group at the 2018 World Cup, but will place second behind Lionel Messi’s Argentina. ”In group D the first place will be taken by the kid (Argentina’s national team Lionel Messi). Second place … Very difficult choice, but I put (my money) on Nigeria,” Mourinho told Russia Television network RT.
However, Mourinho reiterated the importance of Argentina captain Lionel Messi, insisting the two-time world champions poses a greater threat as long as they have Lionel Messi in their ranks. “I believe that the Argentinian national team without Lionel Messi wouldn’t be a contender,” the Portuguese added. “But with him, it is one of the favourites.”
The legendary Portuguese gaffer also expressed confidence that 1998 world champions, France, will top their own the group. If Mourinho’s predictions come true, it would be the second consecutive tournament that the Super Eagles would face France in the second round. Interestingly, Nigeria has progressed to the second round in three of five appearances at the World Cup, losing to European nations on each occasion.