₦airaland Forum

The Enugu State Police Command has rescued Pa Michael Obi, the father of Super Eagles captain, Mikel Obi, from kidnappers.

Mikel’s father, according to the police, was on his way from Jos, Plateau State, in a grey coloured Toyota Prado jeep, with registration number MUS 604 CG, when he was kidnapped.

The spokesman of the Command, Ebere Amaraizu, in a statement released on Monday stated that Pa Obi and his driver, John Ishaya, were abducted along Makurdi-Enugu road on June 29.

The kidnappers demanded N10m as ransom from Obi’s family, according to Amaraizu.

“Michael Obi, the father of Eagles captain, has regained his freedom,” disclosed Enugu Police command spokesman Ebere Amaraizu.

“He was rescued a forest in the Udi area of Enugu after a gun battle between the police and the kidnappers, who escaped during the shoot out.

“He is right now in the office of the Enugu State police commissioner.”

Mikel has revealed that his father was in the kidnappers’ custody during the Russia 2018 World Cup clash between Nigeria and Argentina last Tuesday.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/enugu-police-confirm-rescue-of-mikels-kidnapped-father/

English Premier League clubs Huddersfield and Fulham are eyeing a move for Nigeria forward Ahmed Musa, [url]Completesportsnigeria. com[/url] reports.

Musa, 25, impressed for Nigeria at the ongoing 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia despite the country’s early exit from the competition.

He scored two sublime goals in the Super Eagles 2-0 win against Iceland in their second group game and was also impressive in the 2-1 defeat to Argentina.

The former Kano Pillars star has struggled to pin down a regular shirt at Leicester City after arriving from Russian club CSKA Moscow in a £16.6million move in 2016.

The versatile forward spent the second half of last season on loan at his old club CSKA Moscow.

And according to a report in Mirror.co.uk, Huddersfield and Fulham are weighing up a move for the player who still has two years left on his contract with Leicester City.

The two clubs are looking to boost their attacking options ahead of the new season and see the Nigerian as a valuable asset.

Huddersfield were nearly relegated last season, while Fulham won promotion from the SkyBet Championship.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/premier-league-clubs-huddersfield-fulham-chase-musa/

Former Super Eagles defender Taribo West has picked Kenneth Omeruo as his standout defender in the Nigeria squad to the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, reports [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url].

West, who featured for Nigeria in two World Cups inb1998 in France and 2002 in Korea/Japan, stated that Omeruo’s inclusion in the defence after the 2-0 loss to Croatia strengthened the defence.

Omeruo played against Iceland and Argentina and was impressive.

“For me Leon Balogun and Troost- Ekong did well but the inclusion of Kenneth Omeruo ensured we were not caught out in set-pieces and dead balls,” West told CSN in Lagos on Sunday.

“He is gaining more experience and I hope the see him get even better after the ups and downs.

“I think, going forward, we should play to the strengths of our players than just mere tactics. He (Omeruo) did well to force his way back after all the condemnation.

“I just hope he and the rest step up and get us another Africa Cup of Nations title.”

The former Inter Milan and AC Milan defender also reserved praise for Ahmed Musa and Oghenekaro Etebo.

“Musa also too was the best player in attack scoring twice in three games. Not many gave him a chance but he proved himself scoring twice just as Etebo also did well in the middle. He thrived playing along with Mikel. I hope they keep this form and build on it.”

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/taribo-omeruo-etebo-musa-super-eagles-best-players-in-russia/

The Super Eagles of Nigeria will return to action when tyey face Seychelles in a 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixture on September 7 in Victoria, reports [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url].

The encounter will be their first competitive game following their exit from the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

The three-time AFCON winners who have missed out on the last two editions of the competition lost 2-0 against South Africa in their first game in the qualifiers.

Gernot Rohr’s men will face Libya on October 10 at home will the reverse fixture to hold five days later in Tripoli.

The reverse fixture against the Bafana Bafana of South Africa is scheduled for November 16.

The Super Eagles will round off their qualifying campaign with a home fixture against Seychelles on March 22, 2019.

Dates and venues are subject to approval of CAF and respective Football Associations.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/super-eagles-to-resume-afcon-qualifiers-in-september/

Former Germany and Nigeria manager Berti Vogts has declared that many of the current squad do not deserve to continue to represent the country following their shocking exit from the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

The defending champions suffered a shocking 2-0 loss to South Korea in their final group game on Tuesday and finished bottom of Group F on three points.

Die Mannschaft had previously not failed to progress past the group stage of a World Cup only in 1938, and Vogts has said that a number of the current players are not worthy of representing the national team again.

“I assume that the German Football Association will part with many players as they do not deserve to continue to play for our national team,” Vogts who once managed the Nigeria national team told Eurosport .

“That was not worthy of a German team. They have shown no will, it was all too slow.”

Vogts managed the German national team between 1990 and 1998, and led them to success at Euro ’96. He also managed the Super Eagles and took them to the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations in 2008, their worst outing in eight years.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/ex-super-eagles-coach-vogts-many-germany-players-not-good-enough/

Following the Super Eagles’ ouster at this year’s FIFA World Cup, [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url]’s highlights fallouts for the team…

– FUTURE IS BRIGHT FOR THE SUPER EAGLES

The expectations on the Super Eagles going into the World Cup was very huge. Following the kind of preparations the team had, there was the belief they would surely make it out of their group.

But things did not turn out as expected as they could not go past the first round, no thanks to the heartbreaking defeat to Argentina in their final group game.

Having said that, the Super Eagles were not disgraced as they showed they could mix it up with the best which shows the future of the team is very bright.

With players like Francis Uzoho, Leon Balogun, William Troost-Ekong, Oghenekaro Etebo, Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, and Tyronne Ebuehi all making their World Cup debuts and also impressing, it means this bunch will be a handful especially when the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers resume.

– GERNOT ROHR SHOULD STAY

Though the Super Eagles failed to progress from the group stage, it is imperative that Gernot Rohr continue his role as head coach.

It is evident that since Rohr’s appointment, there is this family bond among the players. Right from the qualifiers up until their last game at the World Cup against Argentina, it is clear for all to see that there is unity and oneness among the players that even in defeat, they are still together.

It would be an unwise decision to allow Rohr leave now because it would mean the new coach would have to start all over again, which will take the team back to square one.

– MIKEL OBI IS STILL KEY TO THE SUPER EAGLES

Another important figure in the Super Eagles that still has a role to play is the captain Mikel Obi.

Since taking over as captain of the team, Mikel has exhibited his leadership qualities which have rubbed off positively on the team.

Since it is a young team, it is important Mikel still sticks around to guide them especially now that the 2019 AFCON qualifiers are just around the corner.

He might not play regularly, but being on the bench and offering advice would go a long way in helping the team grow.

– IT SHOULD BE CURTAINS FOR SOME PLAYERS IN THE SUPER EAGLES

The 2018 FIFA World Cup made it crystal clear that some players have no business in the Super Eagles anymore.

Players like Odion Ighalo, Elderson Echiejile and Ogenyi Onazi should say their byes from the team as it is glaring now they are over the hill.

Aside from Ighalo who played in all the group stage games and did not impress, the duo of Echiejile and Onazi were not even considered for selection.

The fact that Rohr decided to switch to inexperienced players like Etebo, Ebuehi and Bryan Idowu at critical times when he could have turned to these experience heads is an indication their days in the team are numbered and they should do the honourable thing and retire from international football.

– SUPER EAGLES WORLD CUP EXPERIENCE KEY GOING INTO 2019 AFCON QUALIFIERS

Currently the Super Eagles’ position in their 2019 AFCON qualifying group does not look pretty, there should be a turnaround when the race for Cameroon kicks off.

With the experience garnered at the World Cup, it will be difficult to stop the Super Eagles from picking one of the two tickets from their qualifying group for the 2019 AFCON.

With due respect to South Africa, Seychelles and Libya who are in the Super Eagles AFCON qualifying group, they do not come close to the likes of Croatia, Argentina and Iceland.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/bright-future-time-to-retire-and-other-fallouts-of-super-eagles-world-cup-exit/

Kennis Ebirim, a medical doctor with the Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, has been confirmed dead after watching Tuesday’s 2018 World Cup match between Nigeria and Argentina, according to the News Agency of Nigeria.

Nigeria needing a draw to advance to the next round of the 2018 FIFA World Cup lost 2-1 to Argentina with Marcos Rojo scoring a late winner to send the La Albiceleste through.

Ebirim’s family members, colleagues and neighbours confirmed his death to the News Agency of Nigeria at his residence in Owerri.

The deceased was reported to have slumped and was rushed to hospital after Nigeria crashed out of the world football tournament.

Ebirim’s younger brother, Dr Chikere who is a lecturer in the Department of Public Health, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, expressed shock over the development.

“We were together on Sunday with my dad. He used to have cases of heart attack but he was also on medication,” Dr Chikere Ebirim told News Agency of Nigeria.

“This is so shocking because he was sound in health when he left Owerri on Monday morning for Abakaliki where he works.”
​
Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/ebonyi-doctor-dies-after-watching-super-eagles-lose-to-argentina/

Nigeria may have been eliminated from the 2018 FIFA World Cup but Super Eagles midfielder Wilfred Ndidi has been rated as the player with the most tackles and interceptions so far at the competition.

This was confirmed by football facts and statistics website, whoscored.com on their verified Twitter handle.

According to whoscored.com, he has made 15 tackles and 12 interceptions more than any other player at the 2018 WorldCup so far.

Ndidi was in action for the Super Eagles who narrowly missed out of qualification for the round of 16 from Group D.

The Leicester City star played in all three Group D games of the Super Eagles at the tournament.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/ndidi-rated-player-with-highest-tackles-interceptions-after-world-cup-group-stage/

Former Super Eagles winger Tijani Babangida has backed the team to emerge stronger from their early exit from the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, Completesportsnigeria.com reports

The Super Eagles were eliminated from the competition on Tuesday after going down to a 2-1 defeat against Argentina in their final Group D game at the Krestovsky Stadium, Saint Petersburg.

They were four minutes away from eliminating the Albiceleste before Manchester United defender Marcos Rojo netted the winning goal.

And Babangida, who represented Nigeria at the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France, stated that team have picked vital lessons from the competition which will help them in future.

“It’s a shame that we didn’t make beyond the group stage. The boys gave their best but it was just not enough,” Babangida told CSN.

“They lost concentration at a crucial part of the game which you don’t do in football or else you pay dearly for it.

“It is not the end of the world for us. They still have a lot of competitions to play in future and the lesson gained here will be crucial for them.”

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/babangida-super-eagles-paid-dearly-for-loss-of-concentration-theyll-bounce-back/

Super Eagles captain, John Mikel Obi, has been harping on the great success the team will become at the time of the next FIFA World Cup four years from now. And in this interview granted at the Krestovsky Stadium Saint Petersburg Russia on Tuesday June 26 2018 after the Super Eagles lost 2-1 to La Albiceleste of Argentina to exit the 2018 World Cup, Mikel also shares what he holds as positive takeaways from the match.

How would you appraise the performance of the Super Eagles against Argentina?

It’s sad to go out of the World Cup this way. We did so well, we gave everything in the game, but just two lapses and we conceded the goals. I think that the positive thing we should take out from this match is that we did very well – we did all we could do. We were so close to going through but it didn’t happen.

I hope that in the next four years this great team, these young players can do much better.

What do you say of Messi’s presence in the match and the difference it made for Argentina?

I think what an amazing footballer he is. I think that he was pretty much quiet throughout the game, but then he had his moments.

We did exactly what we wanted to do in the match but Argentina is a great team, with great players. We had a lion share of the game. It’s just a shame to go out this way.

What do you think about referee’s performance in the match, especially his decision not to award a second penalty to Nigeria after Rojo’ s header bounced off his own arm?

I think it should have been the second penalty against Argentina. I believe that was a penalty. I don’t understand how it wasn’t a penalty. I asked the referee why he didn’t award us the penalty. I asked him ‘did the ball touch his hand? He said yes, and I asked him again, ‘so why didn’t you give a penalty? He said that he didn’t know. You don’t know? You should know because you’re the referee. You should give the penalty.

This is a game we could have won. We could have scored a second penalty goal. But unfortunately, it has happened. But the VAR? This is what happens.

What do you think about the VAR system?

(Laughs) Arŕrrrgh, I don’t want to make comment about it. Big country, I don’t know. Small country? I don’t want to go there.

You think it has something do do with being a small country?

I have nothing to say about it. You can do that mathematics yourself. That’s all I can say.

How do feel personaĺly about losing to Messi again?

It’s not a competition between me and Messi. I will say we came close to getting a win agaist Argentina at the World Cup, but it didn’t happen in the end. It would have been amazing for us as a team if we had won and advanced to the next round. I should say that luck wasn’t on our side and was on Argentina’s side, and we couldn’t go through.

What do you think of Argentina’s chances of going far in the tournament?

I think they have a good team. They’re going to do well. They’ve now gone through the First Round and they will feel relieved and play better football. I think they are a great side.

We managed to keep them quiet. We managed to do our job in the game. I’m so proud of the boys’ performance against Argentina. The young players have done very well. Congratulations to the team. We just have to kèep going.

What would you say of Ighalo’s contribution in the game?

Ighalo is an amazing striker and a great guy. He is an experienced player. He knows he can lift himself up with great play. Yes, he missed one or two chances, but he actually did well when he came on. He looked threatening. He knows how to deal with the situations.

How long more will your fans and Nigeria supporters see you playing for the national team?

(laughs) I don’t know. I will always serve my country. We will see what happens.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/interview-mikel-young-eagles-players-will-win-for-nigeria-in-four-years/

Former Super Eagles forward Efan Ekoku has blamed the team’s inability to convert their chances in the 2-1 defeat to Argentina for their early exit from the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, reports [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url].

Gernot Rohr’s men needed just one point to book a date with France in the second round but went out of the competition after Marcos Rojo struck late in the game.

Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi gave Argentina the lead from a sumptuous finish in the first half but the Super Eagles rallied back after the break with Victor Moses converting from the spot.

Substitute Odion Ighalo missed two glit-edged chances for Nigeria in the closing stages of the game, while Oghenekaro Etebo also came close to hitting the back of the net with a free-kick.

“Missed chances for Nigeria cost the super Eagles. Rojo’s hand ball not deliberate so right decision. If the ball is diverted away from Ighalo and a chance is taken, then more chance of a pen,” Ekoku, who was in Nigeria’s 1994 World Cup squad, tweeted.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/ekoku-missed-chances-cost-super-eagles-vs-argentina-rojo-handball-not-penalty/

The World Boxing Association (WBA) has warned Nigerian-born British heavyweight boxing world champion Anthony Joshua he faces being stripped of his title if he does not sign a fight with Russian boxer Alexander Povetkin.

According to The Sun, the warning was issued by WBA President Gilberto Mendoza.

Joshua is eyeing a unification bout with World Boxing Council (WBC) champion Deontay Wilder, but Mendoza has given him just 24 hours to sign a deal with mandatory challenger Povetkin.

Mendoza said: “Today the WBA requested an answer from Anthony Joshua’s team regarding his fight with the mandatory challenger Alexander Povetkin.

“The WBA have allowed over a month extension to negotiations with Povetkin and also ongoing discussions with Deontay Wilder.

“It appears the Wilder team have not returned the contract for the fight and therefore we are requesting a date for the Joshua versus Povetkin fight with immediate effect.”

Joshua, 28, who also holds the International Boxing Federation (IBF) and World Boxing Organisation (WBO) and International Boxing Organisation (IBO) belts, defeated New Zealand’s Joseph Parker via unanimous decision back in March to claim the WBO title.

He remains unbeaten after 21 professional fights with 20 of his fights coming via knockouts.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/wba-threatens-to-strip-joshua-of-world-title-over-povetkin-fight/

English Premier League club Arsenal have sent their best wishes to Alex Iwobi and his Super Eagles teammates ahead of today’s (Tuesday) crucial 2018 FIFA World Cup Group D clash against Argentina, [url]Completesportsnigeria. com[/url] reports.

The Super Eagles who bounced back from their 2-0 defeat to Croatia in their first game by edging out Iceland last Friday by the same scoreline are looking to secure a place in the knockout stages.

They will face the South Americans at the Krestovsky Stadium, Saint Petersburg.

Argentina have picked just one point from their opening two games and desperately need a win to stay in the competition.

A win against Jorge Sampaoli’s men will send the Super Eagles into the second round while a draw will be enough depending on the outcome of the game between Croatia and Iceland.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/arsenal-back-iwobi-super-eagles-against-argentina/

It’s game day! Nigeria and Argentina will both know their fates after 90 minutes this evening. This is the kind of games you want to be involved in as a player. You want to give your all, get stuck in and leave it all on the pitch without hold back one bit.

I expect a very good and exciting match, even more than what we saw against Iceland the other day. I expect to see two teams with two contrasting fortunes. A Nigerian side brimming with confidence after the 2-0 win over Iceland and an Argentina that’s bristling with hurt and anger after getting just one point from two games.

Argentina are a wounded lion seeking for revenge. They will be desperate to get all three points and, honestly, they have the players to do it. They will want to come out all guns blazing hoping to catch the Super Eagles.

And, I think, this is where Nigeria can be dangerous. We are also desperate. We want to win and progress to the next round. If Argentina think they are hurt, the Eagles also want to make Nigerians happy so they have their backs to the wall. And the whole world knows how dangerous Nigeria can be when our backs are to the wall. We can be very dangerous.

If I’m Rohr, they say you don’t change a winning team so I will allow the team that played the last game to start although I would want Tyronne Ebuehi to be in the starting line-up. I want the same personnel we used in midfield. We need to mop up spaces in the middle so that Lionel Messi is starved of the ball.

I played against Argentina twice, once at the 1994 World Cup and the 1995 Intercontinental (now Confederations) Cup in Saudi Arabia. The current team is nothing to compare with that team but there are certain characteristics common to all Argentina teams like their tenacity, never say die attitude and readiness to fight dirty and win by all means necessary including conning the referee to get favours. They also have a team filled with quality players. A team with Messi, Sergio Aguero, Angel Di Maria, Paulo Dybala etc is a team to respect anyday. i expect them to come out strongly, compact and look to force errors.

Messi is the greatest threat regardless of the team’s performance so far. He is the man to stop but we have to be careful how we approach him. I want someone to be on him and stick to him like a second skin. I think Wilfred Ndidi is better suited for that job but we can use Oghenekaro Etebo too. It just means that we will be curtailing the attacking instinct of Etebo if we give him that role.

On our own side, Ahmed Musa has already made himself undroppable after that amazing performance against Iceland. I believe he’s going to continue in that form. Etebo and Ndidi in midfield will play alongside captain Mikel Obi. Iheanacho also complements the attack with his hold-up play.

Musa’s speed will come in handy against the Argentina central defence of Javier Mascherano and Nicolas Otamendi which is not the fastest pair, in my opinion. When he played against them in the 2014 World Cup and last November in the friendly game, he showed that speed and did well so I believe he will do well again today.

Finally, I’m excited about this game and I believe we shall get enough to progress to the next round. I predict a 2-1 win for Nigeria in this game. See you at full time. Up Super Eagles!

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/adepoju-argentina-are-desperate-but-eagles-can-be-dangerous-too/

Super Eagles forward Odion Ighalo believes that the team will earn their first competitive win against Argentina when both teams meet in a Group D clash today (Tuesday) at the Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup, reports [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url].

Nigeria and Argentina have met four times in the World Cup with the La Albiceleste winning on all four occasions.

The stake is higher this time around with both teams eyeing a place in the knockout stages of the competition.

Gernot Rohr’s men sit in second position in Group D with three points following their 2-0 win against Iceland on Friday.

Argentina occupy last place with one point after they were thrashed 3-0 by Croatia on Thursday.

A win against the South Americans will send the Super Eagles into the second round while a draw will be enough depending on the outcome of the game between Croatia and Iceland.

“To beat them, we have to work on our tactics very well. If we can score first, that will make them to be nervous,” Ighalo stated in a short video interview posted on ESPN.

“We believe in ourselves and we know we can do it.”

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/ighalo-argentina-will-be-nervous-if-super-eagles-score-first/

The Super Eagles will have their official training inside the Saint Petersburg Stadium on Monday at 5:30pm ahead of their crucial Group D Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup clash against Argentina on Tuesday.

This was announced on the Super Eagles’ verified Twitter handle on Monday.

Before their training session, the Super Eagles official pre-match press conference also holds on Monday by 5pm.
The training session will however be open to the media for 15 minutes.

“Our official pre match press conference, ahead of Tuesday’s game vs #ARG holds at 5pm today. Our official training, which is open for 15 minutes filming, begins immediately after, at 5.30pm. Venue: St Petersburg Stadium,” the Super Eagles handle stated.

The Super Eagles must avoid defeat against Argentina and hope Iceland does not get a favourable result against Croatia which will also be played on Tuesday.

Croatia lead the group on six points and have already qualified for the round of 16, the Super Eagles are second on three points, Iceland and Argentina who both have one point, are third and fourth respectively.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/ahead-of-argentina-clash-super-eagles-to-train-by-5-30pm/

Super Eagles skipper Mikel Obi has claimed Argentina star Lionel Messi “stole” the Golden Ball award from him at the 2005 FIFA U-20 World Cup held in the Netherlands.

The Flying Eagles faced Argentina in the final but lost 2-1 no thanks to two penalties converted by Messi.

Going into the final, Mikel was tipped to be awarded the Golden Ball for his impressive performances.

Speaking ahead of Tuesday’s crucial Group D Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup clash against Messi-led Argentina side, Mikel in an interview withThe Guardian reflected how he missed out on the Most Valuable Player award.

“Yeah, Messi stole the Golden Ball off me,” Mikel said.“Before the game people said that I was going to win the Golden Ball for being the player of the tournament.

“But then Messi scored twice, both of them penalties, Argentina won 2-1 and I got the Silver Ball. Messi has kept on stealing awards from me!”

Mikel recalled how the Super Eagles were able to beat Argentina 4-2 in last year’s friendly without Messi, positing the South Americans always struggle without their talisman.

“A certain human being wasn’t playing (in last year’s friendly),” Mikel says. “Actually, is he even a human being? Messi is Messi. He decides games and the last time we met he scored two against us at the Brazil World Cup.

“Without him, they are definitely less of a team. We can’t put all our attention on Messi but he is the man that we need to stop. Do we have to put somebody to mark him? Maybe yes, maybe no because when you do that you are playing with less balance.”

The Tianjin Teda midfielder spoke about playing in different midfield positions during his time at Chelsea and for the Super Eagles.

“I was playing as a No 10 before I went to Chelsea but [José] Mourinho converted me to a holding player,” Mikel told The Guardian. “I enjoy it. When I was at Chelsea and there was a national team break, I’d go there and I’d enjoy it. I’d have this one or two weeks of freedom – to express myself and play the way I want. But at Chelsea, I did a job.”

And on the Super Eagles being drawn against Argentina again at the World Cup, Mikel said:

“We knew we would get them. I said to a friend of mine: ‘Trust me, Argentina are going to be in the same group as us.’ It’s crazy. I don’t know why but it keeps happening.”

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/mikel-superhuman-messi-stole-golden-ball-from-me-i-want-revenge/

Former Argentina and Manchester City star Pablo Zabaleta has urged the Albiceleste to come up with their A game against a strong Super Eagles side ahead of Tuesday’s crucial Group D 2018 FIFA World Cup clash in Saint Petersburg.

Argentina have been very poor so far at this summer’s World Cup as they are currently bottom of Group D with just one point from two matches.

They were held to a surprise 1-1 draw against Iceland before suffering a humiliating 3-0 defeat to Croatia.

However, they can still progress into the round of 16 provided they beat the Super Eagles and Iceland fail to secure a heavy win against Croatia.

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, Zabaleta said the two-time World Cup winners are still in with a shout.
“We still have a chance though,” Zabaleta said.

“Nigeria is a strong team but the players need to turn up. With the quality we have up front you expect us to score goals.”
He however berated head coach Jorge Sampaoli for the team’s poor performance, labelling him clueless.

“Jorge Sampaoli has made mistakes in selections. In the game against Iceland it wasn’t a great game. He played four at the back with two defensive midfielders against a side who defended the whole game behind the ball,” he added.

“We lacked creativity around Messi in the 18 yard box: the transition from back to front is too slow sometimes. Against Croatia we switched to three at the back; new players, new formations. The manager doesn’t know what he’s doing.”

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/zabaleta-argentina-must-turn-up-against-strong-nigeria-sampaoli-is-clueless/

Ahead of Tuesday’s all-important Group D clash of the Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup between Nigeria and Argentina [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url]’s reviews how both teams have fared against each other in past encounters…

ARGENTINA 2-1 NIGERIA (USA 1994 World Cup: Group Stage)

Nigeria and Argentina’s first ever encounter was at the USA 1994 World Cup in their second group game.

Going into the game, Nigeria had thrashed Bulgaria 3-0 while Argentina had swept aside Greece 4-0.

But it was Argentina that emerged victorious winning 2-1 following a brace from Claudio Cannigia despite Samson Siasia giving Nigeria the lead.

NIGERIA 0-0 ARGENTINA (CONFEDERATION CUP 1995: Group Stage)

After their encounter at the 1994 World Cup, Nigeria and Argentina squared off again this time in the group stage of the 1995 Confederation Cup in Saudi Arabia.

Drawn with Nigeria and Argentina in Group B of the 1995 Confederation Cup were Japan.

While Nigeria beat Japan 3-0, Argentina also secured a win against the Asians, trouncing them 5-1.

And in the decider between Nigeria and Argentina, the game ended 0-0 with the South Americans eventually progressing to the final where they lost 2-0 to Denmark.

ARGENTINA 1-0 NIGERIA (Korea/Japan 2002 World Cup: Group Stage)

Nigeria and Argentina were drawn again in the same group at the 2002 World Cup co-hosted by South Korea and Japan.

Also in the group, which was described as the Group of Death, were England and Sweden.

In their first game of the group, Argentina pipped Nigeria 1-0 thanks to a Gabriel Batistuta goal.

Despite the result, both Nigeria and Argentina crashed out in the group stage while England and Sweden progressed to the round of 16.

ARGENTINA 1-0 NIGERIA (South Africa 2010 World Cup: Group Stage)

For the third straight time, Nigeria were drawn in the same World Cup group with Argentina, this time at the 2010 World Cup hosted by South Africa.

Aside from Nigeria and Argentina, Greece and South Korea were also in the group.

And just like at the 1994 and 2002 World Cups, Argentina emerged winners with Gabriel Heinze getting on the score sheet in a 1-0 win.

While Argentina and South Korea advanced to the knockout stage, Nigeria and Greece were eliminated.

NIGERIA 4-1 ARGENTINA ( International Friendly: 2011)

Nigeria eventually secured their first win against Argentina which was a friendly game inside the Abuja National Stadium in 2011.

Goals from Ikechukwu Uche (brace), Obinna Nsofor and Emmanuel Emenike, gave Nigeria a 4-1 win.

Argentina’s goal was scored by Mauro Boselli from the penalty spot.

ARGENTINA 3-1 NIGERIA (International Friendly: 2011)

After suffering a humiliating 4-1 defeat to Nigeria, Argentina got their pound of flesh in another friendly that also took place in 2011 this time in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

In their second friendly meeting, Argentina ran out 3-1 with goals from Gonzalo Higuian, Angel Di Maria and an own goal from Elderson Echiejile.

Nigeria’s goal was scored by Chinedu Obasi early in the second which brought the score to 2-1.

ARGENTINA 3-2 NIGERIA (Brazil 2014 World Cup: Group Stage)

Nigeria and Argentina resumed their hostilities at the World Cup as they were drawn together in the same group at the 2014 World Cup held in Brazil.

Once again Argentina were victorious, winning 3-2 with their goals coming from Lionel Messi (brace) and Marcos Rojo while Ahmed Musa got Nigeria’s two goals.

The loss to Argentina did not affect Nigeria’s chances of qualifying for the round of 16 as they alongside Argentina advanced while Iran and debutants Bosnia and Herzegovina crashed out.

NIGERIA 4-2 ARGENTINA (International Friendly: 2017)

The last time both Nigeria and Argentina met was in a friendly game which took place in Russia in 2017.

Argentina raced to a 2-0 lead following goals from Ever Banega and Sergio Aguero.

But Nigeria stormed back to win the game 4-2 with goals coming from Bryan Idowu, Kelechi Iheanacho and Alex Iwobi, who bagged a brace.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/argentina-5-2-nigeria-super-eagles-seek-first-competitive-win-over-familiar-foes/

Iceland captain, Aron Gunnarsson, has stated that they won’t be cowed by Nigeria’s 2-0 defeat to Croatia last Saturday, insisting that the Super Eagles will be tougher than the Argentine team they battled to a draw in their first match, [url]Completesportsnigeria.com reports[/url].

Gernot Rohr’s team is looking to redeem itself with a win against Iceland at the Volgograd Arena on Friday in order to stay in competition for a Second Round berth from Group D.

The Icelanders stunned La Albicelete with a battling performance in their Group D opener on June 16 which ended 1-1.

Cardiff City midfielder, Gunnarsson, however believes that his team can ruffle more feathers in their first World Cup campaign.

“The match (vs Nigeria) will be tough, we are ready for this, and it will be a different game compared to Argentina. Together we must achieve good result,” Gunnarsson told journalists at their base camp in Russia.

“We must stick to our style and character. I think that we have what it takes to win. The Nigerians have a lot of good players who can improvise on the field.”

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/iceland-captain-gunnarsson-nigeria-will-be-tougher-than-argentina/

New Zealand referee, Matthew Conger, has been named the centre referee for Nigeria’s crucial Russia 2018 World Cup Group D clash against Iceland in Volvograd on Friday, [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url] reports.

Conger will have his compatriot Simon Lount as his first Assistant Referee (AR1) and Tevita Makasini from Tonga as his second assistant referee (AR2).

Ricardo Montero from Costa Rica will be the fourth official while Hiroshi Yamauchi will be the reserve referee according to FIFA’s media channel.

Conger, born 11 October 1978 in Texas, USA, began refereeing in his native America as a teenager.

The 39-year-old was in charge of Nigeria’s game against Sweden at the Rio 2016 Olympics in Brazil which the Dream Team won 1-0 courtesy of a goal from Sadiq Umar.

He has also officiated at two under-20 FIFA World Cups, in New Zealand in 2015 and in South Korea in 2017.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/new-zealand-ref-conger-familiar-to-nigeria-to-handle-super-eagles-vs-iceland-clash/

The Super Eagles of Nigeria will face the media and hold their training session at the camp base in Essentuki on Wednesday ahead of their second Group D Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup clash against Iceland in Volgograd on Friday.

This was confirmed on the Super Eagles’ verified Twitter handle on Tuesday.

Prior to the training session, a press conference to preview the game will also be held on Wednesday.

“Our second team press conference of the 2018 #WorldCup holds at our Essentuki Training Site on Wednesday, June 20, 2018 from 4.30pm.

“Our training session, which is open for the first 15 minutes only, holds immediately after,” the Super Eagles tweeted on Tuesday.

The Eagles will hope to bounce back from their disappointing 2-0 loss to Croatia in their opening Group D game on Saturday.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/super-eagles-to-face-media-train-on-wednesday-for-key-iceland-clash/

Super Eagles striker Odion Ighalo has assured Nigerians that they will do everything possible to make them happy when they take on Iceland in their second Group D game of the 2018 FIFA World Cup on Friday, [url][/url]Completesportsnigeria.com reports.

The Super Eagles got off to a poor start following their 2-0 defeat to Croatia on Saturday.

An own goal by Oghenekaro Etebo and a penalty converted by Luka Modric gave Croatia their first opening group game win since France 1998.

Ighalo who was in action for the Super Eagles against Croatia lamented the defeat to Croatia but stated he and his teammates are preparing to beat Iceland.

“It’s a game of football, we did our best but our best was not enough. We worked hard and in football whether win, lose or draw, the game goes on,” the China-based striker said in a video posted by former Super Eagles media officer Colin Udoh from Essentuki, Russia on Tuesday.

“We are not really happy about the loss but we are working very hard towards the next game and hopefully we are going to do what we know how to do best and make the fans happy again.”

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/ighalo-super-eagles-determined-to-make-nigerians-happy-again/

Iceland are sweating on the fitness of the duo of Gylfi Sigurdsson and Jóhann Bergs Guðmundsson ahead of Friday’s Group D clash against the Super Eagles of Nigeria, [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url] reports.

Everton star, Sigurdsson, who missed the latter part of the English Premier League season last term due to a knee injury, according to reports in Icelandic media did not train with his teammates on Tuesday morning.

Instead, he was involved in a light exercise with physical trainer Friðrik Ellert Jónsson.

Guðmundsson, who plays for English club, Burnely sustained a calf injury in the 1-1 draw against Argentina at the Spartak Moscow and remains a big doubt for the game.

Heimir Hallgrímsson’s men will hope to boost their chances of making it to the second round by claiming all three points against the Super Eagles following the 1-1 draw against two-time winners Argentina last week Saturday.

The Super Eagles lost 2-0 to Croatia in their first group game.

The game will be played at the Volgograd Arena at 4pm Nigerian time.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/iceland-stars-sigurdsson-gudmundsson-doubtful-for-super-eagles-clash/

Iceland assistant coach Helgi Kolviðsson says the game against Nigeria will be difficult but that his team is capable of securing a win against the Super Eagles in Friday’s Group D fixture at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, reports [url]Completesportsnigeria. com[/url].

The debutants held two-time winners Argentina to a 1-1 draw in their first game on Saturday at the Spartak Stadium.

They will be up against the Super Eagles on Friday at the Volgograd Arena in their second ever game in the competition.

“We can win everyone. It’s just that way. We always believe in ourselves no matter who the opponent is. We are not going to underestimate Nigeria,” Kolviðsson stated in an interview with Visir.is.

“We know their team is extremely strong. They will also want to win as well so it will be a tricky game. It will be like a World Cup final.”

Iceland got a first hand of what to expect against the Super Eagles in their 2-2 draw against Ghana prior to the competition.

“In the friendly game against Ghana we saw a lot of things similar to Nigeria. What we know is that the players are extremely quick and good at counter attacks,” he added.

” It could therefore be much more dangerous if we lose the ball against them. The types of players, they go a lot on one on one and sometimes its hard to figure them out.”

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/iceland-assistant-coach-nigerian-game-is-a-world-cup-final-but-we-can-beat-them/

The best Africa has ever reached at the FIFA World Cup is the quarterfinal (Cameroon 1990; Senegal 2002; Ghana 2010) and the five African representatives to Russia 2018 will be hoping to pass that landmark. [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url]’s draws up a fantasy football team of a hybrid African selected side in a straight 4-4-2 formation…

Aymen Mathlouthi (TUNISIA)

Age: 33; Position: Goalkeeper

Caps: 70 Club: Al-Batin (SAUDI ARABIA)

Captain of his national team, Mathlouthi is famous for controlling the ball with his feet and dribbling the players inside the penalty area. Regarded as one of Africa’s best goalkeepers, he led Tunisia to the CHAN title in 2011. A CAF Champions League, Confederations Cup and CAF Super Cup winner with Etoile du Sahel, he moved to Saudi Arabia in 2018. He was also named into the CAF Team of the Year in 2017.

Ahmed Elmohamady (EGYPT)

Age: 30; Position: Defender

Caps: 83 Goals: 2

Club: Aston Villa (ENGLAND)

One of the very few Egyptians to have a successful European career, Elmohamady embodies the typical African fighting spirit whenever he steps on the pitch. Versatile in a number of roles, he’s played as a winger, midfielder, wing back and at right back where he’s often seen to bomb down the right flank to cause damage. Elmohamady was part of the Egyptian squads that won the 2008 and 2010 Africa Cup of Nations. He also played in the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup, famously sent off in the 4-3 loss to Brazil.

Medhi Benatia (MOROCCO)

Age: 31; Position: Defender

Cap: 56 Goals: 2

Club: Juventus (ITALY)

Tall, strong and dependable, Benatia is blessed with good technique and ball-winning ability as well as excellent organisational skills. He’s earned a reputation as one of the best centre-backs in Serie A, most famous for his tackling and ability in the air. Born in France, he chose to play for Morocco and has been to three AFCON competitions with the Atlas Lions. He scored in a 2-0 away win against Cote d’Ivoire to help Morocco reach a first World Cup in 20 years.

Kalidou Koulibaly (SENEGAL)

Age: 27 Position: Defence

Caps: 22 Club: Napoli (ITALY)

Nicknamed “The Wall” because he’s large, quick and physically strong yet elegant, Koulibaly is excellent in the air and his sense of anticipation, passing ability and versatility (being able to play both as a central defender, or as a full-back on either the right or left flank, in both a three or four-man defence or even as a defensive midfielder) makes him a prized asset to any team. He was a part of Senegal’s squad to the 2017 AFCON and helped the Teranga Lions to another World Cup since their debut in 2002.

Ali Maaloul (TUNISIA)

Age: 28 Position: Defence

Caps: 33 Club: Al Ahli (EGYPT)

Maaloul is on the books of Egyptian giants Al Ahli and has been a part of their success since making the move from CS Sfaxien in 2016. Tough as a nail, the 28-year old combines defensive nous with offensive abilities (he scored 14 league goals in 2015/16 season, a record for a defender in Tunisian league history) which makes him a perfect fix at left back in this African 11 side.

Since making his national team debut in 2013, Maaloul has gradually become one of the pillars of the Tunisian team with his ball carrying skills and ability with dead-balls.

Kara Mbodj (SENEGAL)

Age: 28 Position: Midfield

Caps: 46 Goals: 5

Club: Anderlecht (Belgium)

Versatility is the name of Kara Mbodj’s game with the strongman able to slide in effortlessly in defence, defensive midfield or in central midfield. He’s considered by many to be the natural leader of the Senegalese team because of his influence on his team-mates. He’s credited with making Kalidou Koulibaly accept to play for Senegal and is widely respected by teammates, officials and the fans. It was initially feared that he might miss the World Cup through injury but he recovered in time to be included in the party.

Wilfred Ndidi (NIGERIA)

Age: 21 Position: Midfield

Caps: 18 Club: Leicester City (ENGLAND)

The evolution and progress of Wilfred Ndidi is fairytale. Five years ago, he was dropped from Nigeria’s U-17 squad and he seemed to have no future in the game with that particular door shut. Today, with less than 20 caps for Nigeria, he’s an established international player being one of the first names on the roster. He’s rated the best tackler of the ball in the English Premier League and already being linked with giants Liverpool and Arsenal. His versatility, started out as a central defender and has played in right back, coupled with his height and fantastic ability to read the game makes him a shoo-in to this team. That he’s so highly-rated, despite this being his first-ever competition with the Super Eagles, speaks to his abundant talent.

John Mikel Obi (NIGERIA)

Age: 31 Position: Midfield

Cap: 85 Goals: 6

Club: Tianjin Teda (CHINA)

At the twilight of his career, Nigerian captain Mikel Obi is finally showing the talent which he promised when he was first let loose on the world at the 2005 U-20 World Cup in the Netherlands where he was voted the second best player behind Argentina’s Lionel Messi. Though his game has undergone several alterations, evolving from a deadly offensive midfielder to a deeper-lying role, Mikel’s calming influence, his long accurate passes and ability to get into meaty challenges is difficult to ignore. What he lacks in pace, Mikel makes up with better game management, positional awareness and the occasional goal. This is his second and, probably, last World Cup.

Younès Belhanda (MOROCCO)

Age: 28 Position: Midfield

Caps: 47 Goals: 5

Club: Galatasaray (TURKEY)

Born in France to Moroccan parents, Younes Belhanda has been compared to former France international and Arsenal star Robert Pires for his excellent technique which often sees him operating through the middle or on the wings. He’s the nerve of the Moroccan team with great vision, good passes and excellent dribbling skills. And, of course, he scores the occasional goal for club and country.

Mohamed Salah (EGYPT)

Age: 26 Position: Forward

Caps: 55 Goals: 33

Club: Liverpool (ENGLAND)

Mohamed Salah’s game has evolved from being a winger to a complete forward able to play all across the frontline and usually interchanging roles to suit the particulars of each game. This metamorphosis has paid huge dividends, especially in the last season where he broke all sorts of records and won awards for his English Premier League side Liverpool, notably the club’s scoring record for a debut season and, leading Egypt to a first World Cup appearance in 28 years. Quick, mobile, hard-working and tactical with good technique and an eye for goal, Salah has speed, dribbling skills, first touch, and ball control all in equal measure. He’s arguably the most in-form African player at the World Cup despite an injury scare from the Champions League final against Real Madrid.

Sadio Mane

Age: 26 Position: Forward

Caps: 49 Goals: 14

Club: Liverpool (ENGLAND)

Winger with a penchant to drift in to goalscoring positions off the main striker, Sadio Mane was one leg of the three-man Liverpool side that reached the final of the UEFA Champions League last May and, more tellingly, he led Senegal to qualify for just their second World Cup after their debut in 2002. Mane’s strength lies in his speed, dribbles and fearlessness to confront much bigger opposition despite his size. The scoring hopes of the Teranga Lions will be on his shoulder but he contributes more than goals, often deploying his pace to outwit defenders and assist strike partners to get goals. Whether scoring or assisting, Mane will be more than a handful for defenders in Russia.

Do you agree with this team list? If you don’t, kindly draw up your own list from the players at the World Cup in the comment section.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/africa-united-11-players-that-can-represent-africa-at-the-world-cup/

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has joined the Mikel Obi debate.

Mikel has often played an advanced role for the Super Eagles while he played a much deeper role for Chelsea successfully for close to 11 years.

The Nigeria captain, now 31, appeared out of sorts on Saturday playing behind lone striker Odion in the 2-0 defeat to Croatia in their Russia 2018 World Cup opening clash.

Mourinho, who signed a young Mikel for Chelsea in 2006 and converted him from an attacking midfielder to a defensive midfield, has agreed with those calling for the Tianjin TEDA star to be deployed in a deeper role.

On the Russian TV station RT, where he is working as a World Cup pundit, Mourinho said, referring to Mikel: “Nigeria lost a good No.6 to get a bad No.10.”

The Super Eagles, who have failed to advance the two previous times they lost their opening games, face Iceland on Friday needing a win to keep hope alive.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/mourinho-mikel-a-good-no-6-bad-no-10-for-super-eagles/

Super Eagles forward Ahmed Musa has stated that the team are in Russia to make a positive impact and he is confident they will qualify from their group ahead of Argentina, Croatia and Iceland, reports [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url].

Gernot Rohr’s men will face Croatia in their opening Group D fixture at the Kaliningrad Stadium on Saturday.

“We want to beat your team, and of course we do not want to lose,” Musa told a cross section of Croatian journalists after the team’s training in Essentuki.

“We are full of confidence, I believe in the ability of our team. You have seen today, the great atmosphere in our team. We are not scared, we’ve come here for great things.”

Aside from Croatia, the Super Eagles will have to contend with two-time champions Argentina and debutants Iceland for a place in the second round.

Musa, who spent last season on loan with CSKA Moscow from Leicester City, believes the Eagles will need at least six points to scale through the first round hurdle.

“Six points will be okay for us. Four points would be insufficient. I don’t think four will be enough. I think we must settle for six points,” he added.

He also singled out the duo of Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic as the key men for the Croats.

“Croatia has many top class players, but let me say that Modric and Rakitić are the best.”

Asked for his favourite to pick the number one spot in the group, the former VVV Venlo player did not hesitate to pick his nation.

“Nigeria of course,” he answered. “Even Argentina with Messi are not better than us.”

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/musa-to-croatians-super-eagles-will-beat-your-team-argentina-not-better-than-us/

Former Nigerian international winger Finidi George has expressed his desire to see the Super Eagles, who are currently preparing for the 2018 World Cup in Russia, stick to the 3-5-2 formation as well as be wary of group opponents Iceland who are making their debut in the competition.

Speaking on a television sports programme monitored in Lagos on Thursday morning, Finidi claimed that the Super Eagles have always played well each time they switch to the 3-5-2 and, as such, the Gernot Rorh led technical crew should perfect the formation to maximize the players strength.

He said: “No matter how good a team is, they must have a formation that they are comfortable with and which brings out the best in them. And no matter how good a formation is, if the players are not comfortable with it then it will just be like a waste of time. You need players who are intelligent enough to translate whatever formation the team is playing on the pitch. And the Super Eagles have shown in their games that they respond better to the 3-5-2 than any other formation. So I say why not stick to it? It’s good when you can switch from one formation to another but it’s better when you always start with your best foot forward rather than scrambling to change formation when you are already losing.”

The former Ajax Amsterdam of Holland star also warned Nigeria to be wary of debutants Iceland because nothing much is known about them and this could make them dangerous customers.

“They [Iceland] remind me of Nigeria in 1994. We went to the World Cup as African champions but not much was known about us so we were able to surprise a lot of people and we could have gone very far if we had a little more luck. Iceland are good if you consider what they did at the European championships in 2016. The fact that they qualified for the World Cup is also an indication of their strength so we must be careful so that they don’t spring a surprise on us particularly as they will play us in the second match,” he continued.

Finidi, who also won the Champions League in 1995, was emphatic about the need for the Eagles to play more as a team rather than the individual game they’ve been playing of recent.

“They need to play more as a unit but we have not been seeing much of that recently. They also tend to leave too much space in the midfield and against midfielders like Luka Modric, Ivan Rakitic and Mateo Kovacic you will be punished if you get careless. If we play 3-5-2, we can put more bodies in the midfield and stop them from taking control of the midfield. Whatever we do, we must not lose our first game. It is very important.

“For Argentina, they cannot afford to over concentrate on Lionel Messi. There are other good players in their teams and if we successfully stop Messi but fail to stop the others it would have been all labour lost,” he concluded.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/finidi-why-eagles-should-play-3-5-2-beware-of-dangerous-iceland/

With the Super Eagles set to face Croatia in their opening Group D fixture at the Kaliningrad Stadium on Saturday, [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url]’s gives five reasons why he believes Gernot Rohr’s men will triumph over the Croats…

THE NIGERIAN SPIRIT

The Super Eagles will head into Saturday’s Group D clash against Croatia as the underdogs at least going by their not-too-impressive showings in their last three games against Democratic Republic of Congo, England and Czech Republic.

Gernot Rohr’s men were completely outplayed in the first half of their 2-1 friendly defeat against England. Though they improved after the break, they were lucky not to have conceded more than two goals in that half.

Against Czech Republic, they were poor all through and their unimpressive build-up has lowered expectations ahead of the game.

But the Super Eagles have done well mostly when they have their backs against the wall in the past and will draw from that never-say-die ‘Nigerian Spirit’ which has propelled Nigerian teams and athletes to achieve the unthinkable.

FAIR RECORD AGAINST EUROPEAN TEAMS
The Super Eagles have a fair record against European teams at the World Cup. They have met 11 times and have recorded five wins, five losses and one draw.

They have also faced European teams twice in their opening fixtures at the World Cup and won both.

The West Africans defeated Bulgaria 3-0 in their debut game at the mundial in USA’94 and recorded a 3-2 win against Spain four years later in France. Also, all of Nigeria’s World Cup wins have been against European teams.

CROATIA’S POOR OPENING DAY RECORD

The Croats have lost their last three opening games at the World Cup, which could have a psychological effect on them. They have also managed to score once in the three games.

They lost 1-0 against Mexico in Korea/Japan 2002, 1-0 to Brazil in Germany 2006 and 3-1 to the Brazilians four years ago.

THE SUPER EAGLES HAVE TURNED THE CORNER IN THE PAST

Prior to their debut appearance at the World Cup in United States of America in 1994, the Super Eagles lost to Sweden and Romania in their main friendlies before the finals but put that aside to record an impressive outing at the competition.

The team, then led by Dutchman Clemens Westerhof, were close to eliminating Italy in the second round before going down to a 2-1 defeat and were later voted the second most entertaining side of the competition behind champions Brazil.

History repeated itself four years later with Bora Mulitovic-led team losing all three pre-World Cup friendlies against against Germany (1-0), Yugoslavia( 3-0) and Netherlands (5-1).

But they wowed the whole world by edging out a star-studded Spain 3-2 in their opening France ’98 game. Spain then that paraded the likes of Raul Gonzalez, Fernando Hiero, Luis Enrique.

CAMARADERIE IN CAMP AND GOOD PREPARATION
Close followers of the team will agree that this is one of the best preparations this team have had ahead of a major competition in recent time.

A well laid out programme from Uyo to Port Harcourt and later Austria devoid of usual fights over bonuses and allowances will no doubt work in the team’s favour.

There is also unity in the team’s camp and the players have bonded well too.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/fly-eagles-fly-5-reasons-nigeria-should-beat-croatia-on-saturday/

The Super Eagles will have their first training session in Essentuki Tuesday evening and then on Wednesday before departing their base for Kaliningrad on Thursday for their first match of the 2018 FIFA World Cup which comes up against Croatia on Saturday at the 35,000 –capacity Kaliningrad Arena.

The 2013 African Cup of Nations winners are expected to depart for Kaliningrad 4pm Russia time.

According to a media statement from the Nigerian Football Federation the team have settled down nicely at their Sanatorium Istochnik Hotel, Essentuki team base camp at the FIFA World Cup.

Meanwhile there was a brief airport reception coordinated by staff of the Local Organizing Committee and the world football –governing body, FIFA.

Also, at the hotel, a welcome reception organized by the Governor of Essentuki, the Minister of Sports in the Stavropol region and the Manager of Sanatorium Istochnik was held.

Also on Tuesday morning, FIFA and LOC conducted the team arrival meeting and seminar as well as a photo-shoot, ahead of the training session in the evening.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/super-eagles-settle-down-in-essentuki-to-train-5pm/

Croatian midfielder Ivan Rakitic has admitted that playing against Nigeria and other teams in Group D at the Russia 2018 World Cup will be difficult, reports [url]Completesportsnigeria.com[/url].

Croatia are drawn alongside Nigeria, Argentina and Iceland.

Rakitic, whose Croatia face the Super Eagles on Saturday in their opening group game in Kalinigrad, also labelled his Barcelona teammate and Argentina captain Lionel Messi the best in the world.

Messi, 30, is still yet to win any senior laurel with his country, with the pressure again on him to deliver in Russia having led the La Albiceleste to the final in 2014.

“We measure ourselves against the best and to have the opportunity to face the best is brilliant. We know that it’s going to be difficult but so will the games against Nigeria and Iceland,” Rakitic told Marca.

“We realise that it’s just special to go up against Leo but he also knows that we all want to play well against him.

“Surely he deserves to win it for who he is. Football isn’t tennis: you can’t put Messi under pressure by saying he alone has to win the World Cup.

“He does deserve it but there are 32 countries with the same dream. If he wins it at the end, we will all be happy for him.

“However, his story is not going to change if he wins it or not.

“If you are the best, you are it independently of whether you win one or 50,000 titles. One World Cup will not change what Leo Messi means to football.”

Messi and Rakitic are set to do battle on June 21, with Argentina favourites to top the group and the Croatian adds that it will be difficult to stop the Argentine captain.

“In football, no-one has found the formula as how to stop Messi. Not [Croatia coach Zlatko] Dalic, not me, no-one can. What we’ve got to do is enjoy him,” he said.

Source:https://www.completesportsnigeria.com/rakitic-argentina-nigeria-iceland-are-tough-opponents-its-impossible-to-stop-messi/