Nigeria a happy camp ahead of tough games

NIGERIA go into this year’s soccer World Cup as arguably Africa’s most successful side in the history of the tournament and the only nation from the continent to reach the second round on three previous occasions.

But they will do well to match that feat this time round‚ despite the astute coaching of German Gernot Rohr and a smoother build-up off the pitch than they have had to many a tournament in the past.

The Super Eagles are‚ on the face of it‚ a happy camp‚ and arrived in Russia on Tuesday with expectation back home at its usual high level.

But they have a tough first round pool against giants Argentina‚ a very good Iceland side and a Croatian team that has traditionally been rugged and difficult to beat.

That Nigeria face Argentina again is one of the more remarkable statistics to come out of the tournament – the Super Eagles have now appeared in six previous World Cup finals and will meet the South Americans for the fifth time.

Argentina have won all their previous meetings at the World Cup‚ including a thrilling 3-2 success in Brazil four years ago‚ but Nigeria did beat them 4-2 in a friendly in Russia last November.

Rohr’s side open their campaign against Croatia tomorrow, before what could be a vital clash with Iceland on June 22. Nigeria’s population stands at close to 200 million people‚ while Iceland is just 335 000‚ the smallest nation ever to appear at the World Cup‚ but the islanders could be more than a match for the West Africans.

The Super Eagles play their final Group D fixture against the Argentines on June 26.

The straight-talking Rohr did not mince his words ahead of their opener with Croatia‚ admitting the European side were the better team.

“We admire this team‚ but we do not plan to watch them when we play against them‚ we will fight‚” he said.

“They are all wonderful players‚ playing in the biggest teams in Europe. On paper, with their names‚ Croatia are much better than us.

“The team are ready physically after we worked well and showed commitment in [the training camp].

“We have another three days to be ready tactically.”

Nigeria’s squad contains the only PSL player at the World Cup‚ Chippa United goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi‚ though he is not first choice.

Other notable names include Chelsea defender Kenneth Omeruo and midfielder Victor Moses‚ new Brighton and Hove Albion signing Leon Balogun‚ Chinese-based John Obi Mikel‚ Arsenal forward Alex Iwobi and Leicester City players Wilfred Ndidi and Kelechi Iheanacho.