2018 World Cup: Nigeria has already crashed out, don’t expect miracle – Coach Abiodun
not to expect much from the Super Eagles at the 2018 World Cup.
He said considering the calibre of other Group D opponents, he does
not expect Nigeria to progress pass the group stage of the 2018 World
Cup.
According to him, the loss against Croatia in their opening game means
they are out of the competition already.
Croatia defeated Nigeria 2-0, in their opening game on Saturday,
punishing them off their profligacy to defend corner kicks.
However, Abiodun said that he, unlike the 'emotional' lot, was not
surprised by the team's failings.
"A lot of people have actually talked. They are emotional Nigerians
but anyone that is truthful and doesn't deceive him or herself won't
expect more than he saw on Saturday," Abiodun told Goal .
"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, the way we qualified
for the World Cup indicated that we were not yet there, but typical of
Nigerian fans and analysts when they are winning they don't see
anything wrong in the team.
"Ighalo did not do anything other than he has been doing in the
previous games. How many goals has he scored in the last Eagles
matches? Mikel again has not done anything wrong [against Croatia]. He
has been doing what he used to do before now.
"Basically we showed what we used to do. We cannot be doing the same
thing and expect a different result.
"The World Cup is a very big event. It is the biggest stage and if you
want to play at the World Cup you must be ready to up your game. We
saw the way Mexico and Germany did so.
"We saw the level of play, the hunger and the fact that every player
played to their strength.
"If you look at our structure in the pitch on Saturday there was no
reaction in the second half to the goal that was scored in the first
half to change what we have been doing.
"It was also not proper that we played Etebo as a holding midfielder
instead of as an offensive midfielder.
"Ighalo was also left isolated when we have a player like Iheanacho
that can support him. When you play Mikel to support the attack you
tend to ask questions if he is an auxiliary attacker or a supporting
striker. For example, how many games did he play [at Chelsea and
currently with his club side and with how many goals has he scored to
be given such delicate role?"
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.
"The most important thing for us is to play with fluidity.
We have to play with more chemistry. We have to introduce more players
that are creative. If we play Ighalo we should let Iheanacho support
him.
"Iheanacho is one of the most creative and technical players we have
in the team and I think we need him to start the game. We need him to
play and support. We need Mikel also. He may not be able to last the
full game but we need him in the holding midfield position.
"If we decide not to play Iheanacho behind Ighalo another option is
Etebo. He is a fighter and he has the aggressive nature and he has the
energy. I don't think they need to make too many changes," he said.
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