Super Eagles must swoop with deadly intent in Cup push

NIGERIA can surpass expectations at the World Cup finals by demonstrating the same fighting spirit and teamwork that got them to Russia, captain Mikel John Obi said.

The Super Eagles are currently 47th in the Fifa world rankings – the lowest of their opponents in Group D, Argentina (5th), Croatia (18th) and Iceland (22nd).

But former Chelsea star Obi said that could spur the Super Eagles on and beyond their previous tournament best of reaching the round of 16.

“Being underdogs is good for us. It means we have to do more, we have to be humble,” the experienced midfielder, who is set to play in his second World Cup, told a news conference.

“That means we can do better than what people expect us to do.”

He said: “We have to do better than we have ever done.

“It will be tough because we're in a tough group and so our first game [versus Croatia] is very important.”

Obi said his side had shown fighting spirit to qualify in the first place from a tough group that included African champions Cameroon and Algeria.

“One thing that will help us is to play as a team, and the fighting spirit we have all this time, we need to show it in Russia,” he said.

“We need to continue the way we have done. We are a young and energetic team. We go as one. Nigeria and the team come first.”

Meanwhile, Nigeria on Sunday named a final 23-man squad for the World Cup with Chelsea defender Ola Aina and Mikel Agu from FC Porto placed on standby.

However, both Aina and Agu will travel with the team for a training camp in Austria.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) announced the final squad on their Twitter account.

Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi, who has been a major injury concern, made the final cut, while Russia-based defender Bryan Idowu and FC Crotone striker Simeon Nwankwo are the two players who are yet to make an official debut for the team.

The team, who lost 2-1 to England on Saturday at Wembley, flew out of London on Sunday to Austria before they head out to Russia for the World Cup on June 11. —