Nigeria manager Gernot Rohr has ensured fans that his team will be ready for their 2018 World Cup opener against Croatia.
The Super Eagles’ performance in their warm-up games has been lacklustre, with the team recording a 1-1 draw against DR Congo before suffering defeats at the hands of England (2-1) and the Czech Republic (1-0).
‘Focused’ Eagles fly to sixth FIFA World Cup finals…https://t.co/5hzRNVzF2l #SoarSuperEagles #Team9jaStrong pic.twitter.com/qVW11sFkDa
— The NFF 🇳🇬 (@thenff) June 10, 2018
As a result, the team’s supporters believe the 2015 Afcon winners will disappoint at the tourney despite their splendid display during the World Cup qualifiers.
But Rohr says they are happy to take on the ‘underdog’ role in Group D and is confident
his team will be in top shape for their first contest against Croatia.
“One match at a time; that’s our plan. I love this group because we know how to rise to the occasion together. Nigeria will be ready for Croatia,” Rohr told the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) website.
“We are okay with the garb of the underdog. But the defeats have done something for us – we have our heads firmly on our shoulders and we are focused.
“Together, we have reviewed the matches and learnt so many lessons. We will approach the World Cup matches differently.”
Avoid fake news. Earlier in training, Captain Mikel and Vice Captain Onazi #SoarSuperEagles #Team9jaStrong pic.twitter.com/ODGgz8qsLQ
— The NFF 🇳🇬 (@thenff) June 8, 2018
Nigeria are expected to fly out of their camp in Austria on Monday June 11 and take up residence in Essentuki, Russia, where they will be based for the tournament.
They are placed in Group D with Argentina, Iceland and Croatia, who they face in the group’s second first round game on June 16 at the Kaliningrad Stadium.
