TheCable

The Super Eagles of Nigeria will head into this World Cup as champions of Africa, just as they did 20 years ago. And coach Stephen Keshi sees other similarities between the set he captained in 1994 and present squad he’s taking to Brazil.

Speaking in Lagos on Monday, shortly after he was presented with the Best Coach of 2013 in the Nigeria Pitch Award, Keshi said the character and attitude of his players may see them surpass the second-round achievement of the 1994 set.

“The character and bonding my players are displaying both on the field and in the dressing room is really good, and it shows that they mean to achieve something at the World Cup in Brazil,” Keshi said.

“I am equally very excited that all Nigerians are praying and wishing the Super Eagles well at the World Cup. This is something; I think is driving the players not to disappoint.”

The Big Boss used the opportunity to thank his backroom staff, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the media, and other stakeholders for their support.

“Everyone keeps talking of the 1994 team, but it was not done by just Westerhof. That success came through collective efforts of coaches, journalists and all stakeholders. I believe if we can get together like before; we sure can go very far,” he said.

Keshi also said his mind was not on Messi et al, but on the Super Eagles’ first game on June 16 against Iran.

“Right now, my mind is on Iran, and not Argentina,” he said.

“After that, we can then look at Bosnia, before the last group match with Argentina. My first two games will determine what my game plan with Argentina will look like. But right now, I don’t want to be distracted with talks of Argentina and Messi.”

The former coach of Togo took a leaf from Barack Obama’s election campaign slogan, when asked if Nigeria could win football’s most coveted trophy.

‘’Yes, Nigeria can win the World Cup,” he exclaimed.

“Those who win the World Cup, do they have two heads?”