Super Eagles can still survive Group D – Abba Yola

A former chieftain of the defunct National Sports Commission, NSC, Alhaji Abba Yola has expressed optimism that the Super Eagles can still progress out of their group at the ongoing FIFA World Cup in Russia.

Super Eagles started their campaign on a shaky note with a 0-2 loss to Croatia on Saturday thereby casting a huge doubt on their ability to survive even the group stage.

Meanwhile, their other group opponents, Argentina and Iceland played out a scintillating 1-1 draw in their opening match.

In a chat with Daily Trust, the former Kano Pillars chairman said the result against Croatia does not inspire much hope but he is still confident that the Eagles will qualify from the group.

He, however, charged the technical crew to quickly correct the lapses in the team before going up against Iceland on Friday.

“I understand how most Nigerians are feeling about the chances of the Super Eagles in Russia. The loss to Croatia has put the team’s chances in doubt.

“However, I don’t think it is over for the Eagles. They need to put their acts together before Friday’s match against Iceland.

“If they win, then there will be hope for them. Anything less than victory against Iceland will not be good enough,” he opined.

Yola therefore called on the players to remain focused as he said they still have two more matches to make amends.

He reiterated that if they allow ongoing criticisms to get to them, they would lose concentration.

“As professionals, I expect the Eagles to stay focused. They are being criticised for losing to Croatia but that shouldn’t dampen their morale,” he advised.