Onigbinde confident of Eagles’ qualification

Onigbinde spoke in Abuja after the final draw for the competition in Cape Town, South Africa.Nigeria will play against Argentina, Korea Republic and Greece in Group B.“Now that the 32 countries have discovered their fates, Nigeria should prepare for their opponents,’’ he said. The FIFA instructor advised that Nigeria should not underrate any team in […]

Onigbinde spoke in Abuja after the final draw for the competition in Cape Town, South Africa.Nigeria will play against Argentina, Korea Republic and Greece in Group B.“Now that the 32 countries have discovered their fates, Nigeria should prepare for their opponents,’’ he said.

The FIFA instructor advised that Nigeria should not underrate any team in their group but work towards getting to the semi-final stage.Onigbinde told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that Nigeria should prepare for any eventuality.

He commended the choice of Shuaibu Amodu as head coach of the Nigerian team, saying: “What the crew needs is total support. All hands should be on the deck if Nigeria must excel.’’

NAN recalls that there was a clamor for the Amodu-led coaching crew to resign when Nigeria walked through a tight rope to qualify for the competition.Onigbinde expressed confidence on the crew’s competence to take Nigeria successfully to the contest.

He said “ a local coach can lead the Super Eagles successfully if given the same treatment as his foreign colleagues.“What is more important, however, is to have no fears over their opponents in Group B but to give the team all the necessary support to excel,’’ he added.

He said there was no need to prepare for any specific group as no group was special, adding that Nigeria should concentrate and respect other teams.Host South Africa will play the opening match against Mexico on June 11, at Soccer City. (NAN)