Sunshine Stars coach Henry Abiodun says, considering the calibre of the Super Eagles’ Group D opponents, he does not expect Nigeria to progress beyond the group stage of the 2018 World Cup. The Owena Whales tactician
The Eagles in their opening fixture lost to Croatia 0-2 and the coach says it will be a herculean task for Nigeria’s senior national team to advance beyond the first round in Russia. Abiodun states that the team’s failings is unsurprising as it has been evident ever since their glorious run in the qualifying series, and does not expect them to get the better of Iceland and Argentina in the remaining group games.
“If you look at our last two friendlies in the build-up to the World Cup finals you will understand what I am trying to say. Even though we qualified in a fantastic manner in that light, we were not yet there, but typical of Nigerians, when they are winning they don’t see anything wrong in the team. Basically we showed what we used to do. The World Cup is the biggest stage and if you want to play at the World Cup you must be ready to up your game.
Although he admitted that it would be difficult to for the Eagles to progress, the Sunshine Stars boss stressed that for the need of ‘a lot of psychological work’ ahead of Iceland tie, with bold changes from the side that faced Croatia complementing it.
“What we can do now is a lot of psychological work. We need to motivate the players and let them believe that it is not over until it is all over,” Abiodun continued.
“Personally and sincerely speaking, it will take a miracle for us to get out because I know that Iceland have so much confidence now having played a draw against Argentina. I know that playing against Argentina in our last game is going to be very tough because the last time we played in a friendly we beat them.”