Eagles must be careful with Iran, Bosnia – Duamlong

Eagles will kick-off their 2014 World Cup campaign with the Group F match against Iran on Monday. What are you expecting?I am expecting the Super Eagles to put up a superlative performance in Brazil. As the champions of Africa, the team is condemned to excelling in Brazil. However, I know many people may have their […]

Eagles will kick-off their 2014 World Cup campaign with the Group F match against Iran on Monday. What are you expecting?
I am expecting the Super Eagles to put up a superlative performance in Brazil. As the champions of Africa, the team is condemned to excelling in Brazil. However, I know many people may have their doubts about the team but this is not happening for the first time. If you remember, even at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa, there were even moves to get the players return tickets before they went all the way to lift the trophy. So even as this is a global championship, I am still confident the Eagles will soar high in Brazil.
Do we have players with the capacity to do well in Brazil?
I think we have because when you look at this team, the players are now better than when they won the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations. They have more experience, there is cohesion and they have been playing together for some time now.
What do you have to say about the three friendly matches the team played before heading to Brazil?
I watched the three matches but let’s discuss the last two matches. The first match is not an issue because had Keshi started the match against Scotland with his first team, the result wouldn’t have been a draw. In the second match against Greece, the flank midfielders choked the midfield and made it impossible for their opponents to breathe.  And in the last match against the USA, the Eagles decided to attack and I think we all saw what happened. I am sure Eagles coaches have worked on the lapses that they noticed.
Do you think the defeat to the USA will have adverse effect on the team’s opening match against Iran?
I don’t think so. The way they played Greece is not the same way they played against USA. Coach Keshi and his crew members will now go back to the drawing board and look at the two different patterns they used and the results that came out. They will then be in a good position to decide how the team will play in future.
Are you one of those who think the Super Eagles should not lose sleep over Iran and Bosnia?
No I am not. I think Iran and Bosnia are our major problem. The match against Argentina might not be as difficult as people are expecting. The other time, I read in the papers that the Argentines have expressed worry over the physical nature of our play. This means they are also not so sure of what will happen when we meet them. Matches against Bosnia and ran will be more difficult for our team. Eagles must be careful with these two nations.
Is this the time for Nigeria to record her first victory over Argentina at the World Cup?
It us up to the boys to make history. We have never beaten Argentina at the World Cup so this is an opportunity for the boys to take their own pound of the flesh. It has never been done but it can happen this time.
Do we have the players to face the super stars in the Argentine squad?
We also have super stars in our team. It is all about confidence and determination. I think we have not forgotten how Efe Ambrose contained Messi when Celtic played against Barcelona two seasons ago in the UEFA Champions League.
What is your take on the recent appearance fee row that engulfed camp of the Super Eagles?
It is a distraction because until we get it right, we shall continue to face such problems. By getting it right I mean we must be ready to do the right thing at the right time. All these things should have been thrashed out at the beginning of preparations for this competition four years ago.  Letting the players know what is on the table and not waiting until the eleventh hour would make more sense.
Some Nigerians have said the players are not patriotic enough. Do you share in such views?
I don’t look at it from that perspective. It is a question of communication. If these boys knew what is due to them right from the beginning, they wouldn’t be asking for it at this critical time. The money from FIFA is usually given to countries for development of football but maybe these players feel there is nothing developmental about their country’s football, so they want their own share of the money. If in the past it was directed to developmental programmes, I don’t think they would ask for part of the money.
Do you see any of the five African countries reaching the semi-finals in Brazil?
I think one of these three, Nigeria, Ghana or Cote d’Ivoire will get there. If you look at the Ghanaian team and Ivorien team for example they have quality players who are doing well in Europe.
You have mentioned Nigeria but our key players warmed the bench in their clubs. What makes you think they will click in Brazil?
If you remember, at the last nations Cup in South Africa, these same players brought the Ivorien team to its knees when it mattered most. Everybody in the Ivorien team was there when Nigeria whipped them. So it all depends on the spirit, motivation and personal commitment of the players at that very moment. If the atmosphere is conducive, I think the Nigerian team can soar very high.
Do you support the return of Osaze Odewmwingie and Joseph Yobo to the team?
We all saw how they have played so far. It is left for me, you and other Nigerians to decide. They have played three matches so far. Talking about experience, they have it in full but whether they still have other things to offer is another thing. And I believe the coaches saw what they did in the friendly matches and would decide their fate in Brazil.
Which Eagles player do you tip to excel in Brazil?
I think Enyeama is already excelling and he will take that form to the World Cup. In addition, I think Emenike can go ahead and be a goal machine in Brazil.
Only three local players have made it to Brazil. Is this positive signs for the local league?
I think it is a good one because in the recent past we never had it so good. We must start from somewhere and gradually get back to the old days where the bulk of the team used to come from the domestic league. The league is facing so many problems. We have to correct a lot of things that are wrong with it. What was it that made the league so strong that new star players continued to emerge? Now two to three years, you don’t see a player excelling. We have to look at the league holistically. That is how we can correct the problems.