BY Victor Akhidenor
Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi and captain Joseph Yobo have assured fans that there is no cause for panic, as Nigeria get set to commence their campaign at the 2014 FIFA World Cup against Iran on June 16.
After unimpressive draws with Scotland and Greece and the loss to USA, many Nigerian fans have been brought back to earth from their hitherto heightened expectations, and now rate Eagles’ chances in Brazil low.
However. Keshi insists that the results from the friendlies are no true reflection of the strength of the team, as they were meant to serve as rehearsals for the team.
“We are in Brazil for serious business,” Keshi told Kickoffnigeria.com.
“Friendlies are meant to serve as rehearsals; they are different from competitive matches.
“This is not an excuse for our performance in the matches. But seriously speaking, the results do not mean anything to me; evaluate us in the World Cup.”
The team arrived in Brazil yesterday night and captain Joseph Yobo has expressed their readiness to trample upon Iran when both sides face in Group F’s opening game.
The 33-year-old defender said that despite not winning any of their pre-World Cup friendlies, all is now set for the Eagles to have a brilliant outing in Brazil, starting with the game against Iran before facing Bosnia and Argentina.
“We believe in ourselves. We have played some friendly games. Not the results we expected, but we have learnt a lot from it them,” Yobo said.
“(The games were) a little bit experimental as well, but now we’re ready to go, so come the first game against Iran, we’ll make sure we do very well and get the three points.
“Yes, they’re right, but as I said, these games, sometimes it’s experimental, to try different things. The World Cup is the ultimate. We are also disappointed that we didn’t win, because we want to win and get the confidence.
“But the game is over now. You take the positives from it and look forward to the bigger targets. We want them to still believe in this team. We need their support, because without their support, we can’t go anywhere.”
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